First-ever Indian Open Kickboxing tournament to be held in Delhi

India Kickboxing Federation on Wednesday announced the launch of the first-ever WAKO Indian Open Kickboxing international tournament in association with the World Association of Kickboxing Organization. The tournament will be held in New Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor Stadium from February 10th to 13th and will see participation from over 1000 male and female athletes from over 12 countries. The tournament will be played across two formats and seven disciplines of kickboxing.

The Indian contingent boasts of names like Monal Kukreja,

Hame, Anshuman Dakua, Sai Gaurav Mohapatra, Prerna Nand Parida and Vrishan.

Anand M. Sharan, WAKO India chairman told PTI, "This will prove to be one

of the biggest platforms for Indian Kickboxers in the years to come. WAKO

has been provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

recently.

A few countries which will visit India for the tournament are

United Kingdom, Croatia, Turkey, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland, Nepal, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, and Estonia.

Indian Association of Kickboxing Organisations (IAKO) was

formed in 1993 to promote kickboxing activities throughout the country, which

includes both amateur kickboxing and professional kickboxing. It is India’s

first martial arts federation to be recognised by School Games Federation of

India

The Indian kickboxers have participated in Asian Games, Asian Indoor Games, World Martial Arts Games, World Championships and Indian Olympic Association.

Mr Santosh K Agrawal, President, WAKO India told PTI that he is elated about India hosting the international tournament. "I am very happy that this championship will foster incentive to the budding sports stars of tomorrow inculcate sportsman spirit in the youth also make it a collaborating event with the co-operation of 29 states and 3UTs of India."