GUWAHATI: Beating all odds, daughter of a gardener from Guwahati, nine-year-old Umabati Rai, bagged the bronze medal at the 5th International Karate Championship held in Kolkata.
The championship was held from 26-28 July and was organized by the All India Seikhinkai Shito-Ryu Karate-do Foundation.
Speaking to Inside Northeast, the 9-year-old says: “I just hope my father is happy. I am happy with my performance, I am happy that I have been able to make him proud. That is all that matters..”
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Rai’s family was elated after her achievement. As per reports, Rai’s father encouraged her to take up martial arts out of concern for women’s safety in society.
“Women are not safe nowadays, so I decided to introduce my daughter to martial Arts. It is not cheap, as I have to shell out five hundred bucks a month, but I feel that we are now reaping the benefits as she is starting to shine”, he said.
“I am a humble man, so I hope that I will get financial assistance from the authorities so that I can help my daughter truly excel and continue her dream”, he told Inside Northeast.