SHILLONG:
A young fighter Obinas Warjri, hailing from Pyndengumiong Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills district, brought laurels to the state by winning a silver medal in the recently concluded 5th International Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival held in Thailand from March 12 to 17.
Warjri had to settle with silver after being defeated by a professional MMA fighter from Mexico. He lost to the Mexican fighter in the second round.
On reaching the state, Warjri was welcomed and felicitated by members of the Hynniewtrep Achic National Movement (HANM) Eastern West Khasi Hills unit led by its president Artist Ryntathiang on March 19 at LGBI airport also known as Guwahati International Airport.
The young fighter was initially selected to take part in a tournament held at Guwahati recently and after scrutiny, he was found fit to represent India in an international platform.
In his brief speech, Warjri expressed his gratitude to God for paving the way for him to pursue his dreams; he also sent his regards to his local coach, Francis Maiong from Mairang and the coach of the Indian national team who provided him the opportunity to take part in the competition held in Guwahati and Thailand, respectively.
Meanwhile, the HANM has urged the government to open up more avenues for the talented youths to grow in their respective disciplines other than football and cricket.