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The kid who wants to rule the world
He is only six years of age but Kevin Lalrinmawia is already India's youngest kickboxing titleholder. Armed with a black belt, this power-packed champion has a dream - to dominate the world ring.
He is only six years of age but Kevin Lalrinmawia is already India's youngest kickboxing titleholder. Armed with a black belt, this power-packed champion has a dream - to dominate the world ring.
Born in a middle class family in the northeastern state of Mizoram, Kevin grew up with an obsession for stunts. His father Joseph encouraged him but mother Lalrinawmi was not so thrilled.
Despite being a bright student, his teachers at Gospel Centenary School feel his natural skills should not hamper his studies. He is a Class 2 student.
Coached by Lalkhuma Colney, Kevin became a national sensation by winning three gold medals - the youngest to do so - in the 18th national kickboxing championship held in Orissa earlier this month.
In July 2005, he became the youngest kickboxer to be awarded a "dan black belt" by the Indian Association of Kickboxing Organisation.
Kevin has won a gold, a silver and a bronze medal at the 15th and 16th National Kickboxing Championships in Jammu and Kashmir (2004) and Tamil Nadu (2005). This apart, he has won 10 gold medals in state-level competitions.
Kevin says he wants to derive fame and fortune from this fragile sport.
Although kickboxing has struggled to obtain a prominent place in the country's sporting landscape, Kevin does not want to abandon his dream of becoming the youngest world champion one day.
"I've really been looking forward to step into the world kickboxing ring. I've trained hard and I want to win," Kevin, looking very shy, told IANS.
He has been preparing hard for the world championship to be held at Hungary next month and another tournament at Croatia in December.
However, his dream of becoming an international champion has hit a roadblock, with the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation's decision to stop children of tender age from competing in this highly dangerous sport.
Coach Colney seems to be undeterred by it.
"I'll continue training Kevin so that he finds his way to the world championship some day," says the coach.
