Himachal Pradesh Shines at National Senior Kickboxing Championship 2025
Outstanding Performance at the Championship
Munish Sood
MANDI: Himachal Pradesh has made a significant mark in its sports history by excelling at the National Senior Kickboxing Championship 2025, organized by the WAKO India Kickboxing Federation. This prestigious event took place from July 16 to 21 at the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur.
Among the 14 athletes representing Himachal, nine secured medals, achieving a remarkable tally of three gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. This accomplishment sets a new record for the state in national kickboxing competitions.
The team was led by chief coach Hans Raj Sharma, with valuable assistance from coaches Arun Bhardwaj and Om Prakash Sharma, whose guidance was crucial for the team's success under pressure.
Gold medalists (qualified for World Championship 2025):
• Dikshit Hita (Shimla) – Women’s –65 kg (One Fight)
• Akhil Kumar – Men’s –89 kg (Light Contact)
• Sunesh – Men’s +94 kg (Point Fight)
These three champions will also represent India at the upcoming World Senior Kickboxing Championship, marking a proud moment for both Himachal Pradesh and the nation.
Silver medalists:
• Vijender Kumar – Men’s –84 kg (Point Fight)
• Harsh Bharti – Men’s 51 kg (Full Contact)
Bronze medalists:
• Sanika Latwan – Women’s –56 kg (Full Contact)
• Harsh Thakur – Men’s +96 kg (Kick Light Contact)
• Vansh Thakur – Men’s –54 kg (Light Contact)
• Sumit Janwal – Men’s –94 kg (Kick Light)
The Himachal Pradesh Amateur Kickboxing Association has praised this outstanding performance. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Yadav, senior vice-president of WAKO India and a recipient of the Parshuram Award, along with state association officials, extended their warm congratulations. Key figures included Amit Pal (president), Tilak Raj Sharma (senior vice-president), Anil Kumar, Upendra Sharma (vice-presidents), Hans Raj Sharma (secretary), Major Shyam, Harish Laktu, Virendra Jagitha, Krishan Lal (general secretary, Mandi Kickboxing Association), and Vijay Kumar (Bilaspur).
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Yadav also announced plans for a state-level ceremony to honor the medal-winning athletes, which will be attended by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, celebrating their remarkable achievements.