Power-packed 'punches' earn Anmish gold

Visakhapatnam: It was tough to compete with 2,000 participants who have come from across 40 countries to showcase their kickboxing expertise.

But it did not dissuade Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma to bag gold medal in the just-concluded World Martial Arts Championship hosted by the World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU) in Bregenz, Austria as his target did not go amiss.

Known for his grit and determination, Anmish says that his sole objective was to inch towards the top position amidst the stiff competition.

With this, he added another World Championship gold medal to his kitty after he secured the top position in the Senior Male WKU World Martial Arts Championship in Athens, Greece last year.

"Bagging a gold medal delights me. I am glad that I could make it happen with the power-packed 'punches' 'kicks' and 'sweeps'," he told The Hans India.

While Anmish bagged the gold in the WKU in 80kg male adult category, V. Praveen, also from Visakhapatnam, secured bronze medal in 75kg male adult category.

Giving credit to his mother Satya Veni, coach G. Kanaka Rao and his well wishers who supported him in all his endeavours, Anmish says that his child like curiosity to learn the martial arts made him to make a mark in the sports scene.

Anmish had so far won 60 gold, five silver and five bronze medals in both national and international karate and kickboxing tournaments.

Inspired by his late father Bhupathiraju Venu Gopal Raju who used to be a stick fighter (Karra samu), Anmish learnt the art of karra samu when he was a child.

The 26-year-old champion says that he is glad to see karate making its debut at the ensuing Summer Olympics in 2020 in Tokyo. "But, unfortunately, there is no representation from India this time," he laments.

When asked about how sports is slowly but steadily making its presence among youngsters, Anmish says that many are showing an inclination towards the discipline nowadays which itself is a positive sign.

"However, if government extends financial aid, more talented sportspersons will come forward to take part in tournaments," he opines.

He says that one has to come across several challenges to make a mark in an event and lack of financial support is one of the major hurdles many experience.