Jojo Rajkumari : Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter raring to make mark in world meet

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Jojo Rajkumari - Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) :: Pix - TSE

26-year-old Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Jojo Rajkumari is eying to win World Championship title. Hailing from Moirang in Bishnupur district, Jojo is staying at Imphal training mix martial arts.

Speaking at a felicitation programme organised for her at Brilliance School, Malom Tulihal, Jojo said she started her Kickboxing career in 2017 .

Kangleipak Mixed Martial Arts Club (KMMAC) coach Nandeibam Frank Mangang first discovered her talent and love for kickboxing on Facebook and took her under his wings, she said.

In a video posted on Facebook, she was seen practising kickboxing using a sand bag in a banana grove.

"When I entered the ring for the first time, I felt intimidated and afraid. Eventually, I learned the basics first and became confident. I like MMA," she said, talking about her first experience under coach Frank.

Even though she has not participated at any National level MMA competition, Jojo has won gold medals in the Manipur MMA-Chainaba-1 in 2018 and Chainaba-2 in 2019 . She also has some medals under her belt which she won at National level competitions in Kickboxing and Karate.

"In the next five years, my aim is to win not only National Championship but World Championship titles," said Jojo. She said her stay at Imphal and training is being supported by her coach, his family members and friends.

"To support myself, I used to sell fish and clothing. But now the Guardian Group, Jojo Support Group and 13 Dogra Regiment have also extended their support," Jojo said.

13 Dogra Regiment CO Colonel Abhinav Kulshrestha said he learned about Jojo just a few days ago and wanted to support her. With proper training, diet and necessary support, Jojo can reach world stage and win prestigious titles, he said.

The 13 Dogra Regiment is covering the monthly expenditures of her diet/fooding. During the programme, the Regiment also gifted her sports kits. Jojo Support Group member Squadron Leader Adhikarimayum Premkumar Sharma said he learned about Jojo's life and her love for martial arts through a YouTube video.

Wanting to help Jojo and support her, a support group with about 45 members/volunteers was formed and the group also approached the 13 Dogra Regiment for support, he said.

Appealing to the Government to support Jojo and other struggling sportspersons, he urged private companies also to help young athletes via their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programmes.

Coach Frank also attended the felicitation programme organised jointly by the 13 Dogra Regiment, The Guardian Group and Jojo Support Group.

The Sangai Express News - December 11 2020