GAMMA silver medallist Longtsukumba Ao returns home

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 31 (EMN): Four Nagaland mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, who represented India at the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) world championship, including the silver and bronze medallists, returned home on Friday to a welcome reception from various organisations at Dimapur Airport.

Interacting with the media, silver medallist Longtsukumba Ao stated that Naga people have the potential to compete in any field of sports and that every Naga should believe that they, too can compete and win at the world stage.

Ao informed that he has been fighting in the amateur category but he planned to enter the professional category this year after recovering from leg injuries sustained during the competition.

Encouraging the youngsters that they should believe in themselves and give 100%, he thanked all the well-wishers, who helped them financially as well as the state government of Nagaland for providing INR 5 lakh from the chief minister’s sports fund.

The silver medallist also said that what he and his teammates had accomplished was because of Combat Academy head coach, Khriemelie Metha.

Limasunep Imchen stated that even though he did not win any medals, it was a great experience to compete at the international level, and with the support of the people and government, they were able to compete in such a competition.

Avizo Lanamai also thanked everyone for their support and urged the people to continue supporting them.

At the GAMMA world championship 2021, a total of 11 medals were secured by team India, which included one gold medal, four silver, and six bronze.

The four athletes were received by Longsa Union Dimapur (LUD), Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (Dayo), and Ao Students’ Union Dimapur at Dimapur Airport.

During the short welcome programme, one of the executive members of LUD stated that this should be a starting point for Nagas and everyone should come together to recognise any Naga’s achievement, big or small.

Dayo representative said: “It is a great achievement for the Nagas and let it be an inspiration for the young generations”.

The four fighters were trained at the Combat Academy, Nagaland and were accompanied by coach, Khriemelie Metha.

It  may be mentioned that Surbala Laishram from Manipur scripted history by becoming the first Indian fighter to win a gold medal at GAMMA world championship 2021 in Amsterdam.

All together, 33 fighters represented India at the GAMMA world championships 2021.