Mangalurean athlete secures bronze medal in World Muay Thai Championship

Mangaluru: A young athlete from Surathkal bagged a bronze medal in World Muay Thai Championship which was recently held in Bangkok, Thailand. The championship was held under the patronage of International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur.

The victor is Anwitha Alva, daughter of Jayaram Alva and Shubhavathi Shetty, residents of Surathkal. She is an Electronics Engineering graduate from St Joseph’s Engineering College, Vamanjoor. She is training under coach Nithesh Chandra Kumar at Monkey Mayhem Fight Club, Hampankatta.

Anwitha was one among the contestants from 102 countries that contested in the 57 kg category. Although she gave a tough fight in the semi-final round, she lost the silver medal and had to settle for the bronze due to shortage of few points. Incidentally, Anwitha has become part of a historic moment vy becoming the first Mangalurean woman to represent India at a World Championship.

Anwitha has already bagged many medals at state level and is also a three-time national champion in Muay Thai. Speaking about her participation in world championship she informed that the well-known NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco sponsored her for the event. “His financial and moral support made me mentally strong and that resulted in my good performance,” she said.

“To succeed in Muay Thai, one needs money for practice and also to participate in events. Along with Ronald Colaco, many other organizations and associations of Bunts’ community helped me to take part in the world championship,” said Anwitha.