U-18 Wushu exponent, Binita, wins Sikkim’s first medal at Senior Nationals

GANGTOK: Continuing her outstanding performance, Binita Rai bagged a silver medal in the 19th edition of Senior National Wushu Championship. The championship was held at Hardwar in Uttrakhand from 27 March to 01 April.
In her debut performance in the Senior National Championship, Binita lost her final match in the 48 kg category to Manipur.
Being a silver medalist, Binita has also qualified for the India camp for the upcoming World Wushu Championship scheduled to be held in Poland in October later this year.
This is also the first medal for the state in Wushu in the senior category.
The state was represented by a three-member team of Binita Rai, Aaron Gurung and Jigmi Bhutia, who were accompanied by Coach, OS Singh.

Binita defeated players from Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand but lost to Manipur in the finals. Likewise, Aaron defeated Karnataka and Orissa but due to injuries suffered in the bouts had to be withdrawn from the championship.
Speaking to media persons today, the coach mentioned that the team underwent a month-long coaching camp before leaving for the championship. On small contingent from the state, he explained that Wushu started in the state only a few years back and thus had very few senior players.
This was the second time that state was participating in the senior nationals.
Mr Singh mentioned that martial artists above 18 years of age are allowed to take part in the senior nationals otherwise the parents or coach need to take responsibility for players below 18 years fighting in the senior categories.
 “Seeing the potential and confidence I had taken full responsibility of Binita for the championship and she has proven herself in the championship”, he informed.
Mr Singh also expressed hope that she will make to the international level as well.
Binita is a five time gold medallists in the north-eastern championship and has already won 1 bronze medal in the junior national championship.
She has assured to invest full effort and do her best to get selected in the India team to represent the country in the world championship.  She has been taking Wushu coaching for the last 2 years back.
Binita’s performance has also been appreciated by the Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary, Karma P Bhutia and president, OH Subba, and general secretary, BK Roka, of Sikkim Amateur Wushu Association.
[SAGAR CHHETRI]