“My journey into Kickboxing started when my mother enrolled me in Taekwondo at the age of four. By seven, I shifted to kickboxing, and it quickly became more than just a sport for me, it’s part of who I am.
My parents have always been supportive. My father, a software engineer, and my mother, belonging to a business family, believed in the importance of Physical Fitness. My mother, in particular, has been my pillar of support. She not only financed my training but also accompanied me to classes, waiting patiently through every session. Her dedication has shaped my journey.
Over the years, I’ve competed in various International and National Championships and won Gold in all of them. It began with the Telangana State Kickboxing Championship in Mahbubnagar in 2022, followed by victories in state championships in Jadcherla, Wanaparthy, and Warangal. I’ve also excelled on bigger stages, winning gold at the Indian International Kickboxing Championships in New Delhi (2022 and 2024), the Khelo India Women’s Kickboxing League in Hyderabad (2023), and the National Kickboxing Championship in Goa (2024).
Currently, I’m in my second year of intermediate studies and compete in the senior-level Full-Contact Kickboxing category. Managing academics alongside rigorous training isn’t easy, but kickboxing has taught me discipline and resilience. I train under coach, Mr. Suresh Patil, at Iskimos Academy, who has played a vital role in refining my skills.
Despite these achievements, pursuing kickboxing in Telangana comes with its challenges. The sport lacks official recognition in the state, which means limited training facilities, no funding, and no structured support. The Telangana Kickboxing Association has submitted all the necessary documents to the Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG) for recognition, but the process has been stalled for over eight months. This leaves athletes like me relying entirely on personal resources, making it much harder to follow our passion.
Kickboxing has taught me how to stay strong and keep moving forward despite challenges. I hope the sport receives the recognition it deserves in Telangana, with better facilities and support for athletes. The inclusion of kickboxing in Khelo India is a positive step, but there’s still a long way to go. For now, I’m focused on improving myself, both in the ring and in life, carrying forward everything this sport has taught me.”
– Naisha Bajaj, Kickboxing Champion from Hyderabad
:
#KickBoxing #Sports #Journey #Inspiration #Journey #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad