The sound of gloves striking pads, spinning back fists slicing through the air, and sharp axe kicks snapping against shields fills the training hall in Kolathur, where a group of Chennai’s youngsters practise daily. For them, kickboxing is more than jab-cross drills and roundhouse kicks; it is a battle against financial struggles and a path towards sporting glory.Together, these teenagers have stacked up an impressive medal tally – multiple state golds, national silvers, bronzes, and even international podium finishes. “Their haul includes international medals across prestigious events such as Turkey Kickboxing World Cup (2023), Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup (2024) and Open International Championship in Delhi (2025),” said C Suresh Babu, chief coach of the Indian kickboxing team.Among the youngsters is M Dharshan (14), a Class 9 student of Don Bosco, Villivakkam. His father, J Murali, is a fish seller at Kolathur, and his mother, M Kamatchi, a homemaker. Known for sharp front kicks that unsettle opponents, the boy has already won a bronze at the 2025 International Championship in Delhi, along with other state and national medals. “I have been training in kickboxing for four years. My family takes loans from people to send me to competitions. I dream of becoming a kickboxing champion and a doctor,” said Dharshan.Among the women fighters is Deepalakshmi V (16), a Class 11 student of Christ Matric Hr Sec School, Poonamallee. She has fought her way to three state golds, a national silver and an international bronze at Uzbekistan. “My father, P Vijayakumar, is a daily wage earner. Despite his hardships, he sends me to these competitions. I want to make him proud on the international podium,” she said.For 15-year-old Rahul, the journey is even more arduous. “I lost my father when I was young. My mother, M Bhuvana, works as a domestic help. Despite her meagre salary, she encourages me to train in kickboxing,” he said. From Perungalathur, Bharth Vishnu S (17), son of a daily wage labourer, has dominated the ring with state and national golds and international triumphs, including a gold in Turkiye.Siblings Jeevitha BM (14) and Yogesh BM (16) of Nazareth Matric Higher Secondary School sharpen their skills side by side. While Jeevitha has swept state and national golds over six years, Yogesh added a national gold in 2024 in the junior national championships despite tough competition. “Our father is a driver. I balance kickboxing and academics. My aim is to become a chartered accountant,” he said.The youngest among them is S Sriram (12) of Godson Matric Higher Secondary School, Surapet, who has trained for four years. Despite his father being a driver and his family being below the poverty line, Sriram has clinched two state golds, two national bronzes and an international bronze in 2025.Behind every medal lies grit, discipline and the sacrifices of parents. “Every time we have to take loans to send them for competitions. State govt supports the students, but it would be helpful if corporate companies sponsor them,” said the parent of a trainee. Go to Source
