Kario Isaac : The only good news
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: September 11, 2012 -

Amidst the depressing news of bomb attacks, killings, corruption and political bickering that have been dominating front pages of most newspapers and satellite channels for the few days, one event, which had remained out of the ken of news hungry readers and listeners, but nevertheless brought about some solace and hope in the hearts of the people, has come in the form of Kario Isaac, a Manipuri lad, who won the title of the first ever Super Fight League (SFL) 'Challengers' in the country.

SFL 'Challengers' is a reality television series that follows a group of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters as they compete with one another in an elimination-style competition.

This unscripted show also depicts the lives of the fights and their relationships not only with each other but also with their families.

For a 21-year old Manipuri lad like Kario Isaac, who hails from Mao-Karong village of Senapati district, it is no mean achievement to emerge the ultimate challenger for the esteemed 'Super Fight League' and then went on to win the title after a series of tough fights with competitors drawn from all over the country.

In the grand finale of the 1st ever Super Fight League (SFL) 'Challengers' held at Mumbai on Sunday afternoon, Kario Isaac knocked down his opponent Andrew Canday to win the title.

The story behind the making of the winning Challenger is even more interesting. Despite coming from a humble family, Kario , who lost his father Loli Ashiikho early in life, worked hard to complete his graduation in commerce from St Joseph College, Jakhama and later joined Jet Airways as a cabin crew member to supplement the income of the family.

Taking time off from his busy schedule, Kario also enrolled himself in a Shotokan Karate class to keep alive his passion for martial arts. Apart from this, Kario never really had done any formal training in mixed martial arts.

In spite of that, when the first Super Fight League (SFL) 'Challengers' was announced, his passion took over everything and he gave up his job to join the competition.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Mixed Martial Arts or MMA, in short, is the fastest growing sport in the world today and, in fact, it is a multi-billion dollar industry in the west.

Looking at the performances of Kario throughout the series, one can definitely conclude that the young Manipuri fighter has a long way to go with 'his flashy kicks and acrobatic fighting style.

More than winning the title of the 1st ever Super Fight League (SFL) 'Challengers' in the country, the appreciation that came from another fellow Manipuri boxing legend, MC Mary Kom, who, after watching Kario in action, welcomed him to the sports of boxing, must have been quite a handful for young promising fighter.

That is what we call sporting fraternity.

For those who missed the action on Sunday afternoon, we suggest you to tune on to Neo Prime where the recorded grand finale fight will be telecast on September 23 from 9 pm to 10 pm.

Perhaps, that would bring some cheers away from all depressing news.