Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Aug 9: Anwitha Alva, 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.

Anwitha participated in the 57 KG category which had contestants from 102 countries. In the semi-final round, she gave a tough fight. But due to shortage of few points, she lost the silver medal and had to settle for the bronze. Through this achievement, Anwitha became part of a historic moment. She became the first Mangaluru woman who represented India in a World Championship.

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

Anwitha is a three-time national champion in Muay Thai and bagged many medals in state level too. When asked about participation in world championship, she said that Ronald Colaco, the well-known NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist 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 expressing her heartfelt gratitude.