Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, July 4: Kicks, punches, throbbing heartbeats, painful grunts, splattering of blood, victorious screams, psychedelic lights and a vibrant audience – all were present in large measures as the combat martial arts tournament, the Yoddha Fighting Championships started with a bang here Saturday. Thirty participants contested on the first day and there was enough excitement in each bout to have the fans screaming for more.
The city which is hosting an event of this type for the first time attracted a huge number of spectators on the premises of the Utkal Karate School. Amrita Mohanty, who came with her daughter Suchismita, said she was enthralled to see the bouts in spite of not being a fan of the sport. “I do not like body-contact sports. However, to avoid the constant nagging by my daughter, I came. If I had not I would have missed the excitement. Each bout was so thrilling,” stated Amrita.
Daughter Suchismita, who was constantly clicking pictures with her cell phone said she will also come Sunday and this time with her father. “Me and my father regularly watch UFC on television. As he had office today (Saturday) but he will surely accompany me (Sunday),” Suchismita stated.
There was a bunch of boys from KIIT University, who were shouting and whistling constantly with every move of the fighters. Among them was Tanmay Mishra, a mechanical engineering student. He said he got to know about the event from hoardings near his institution and could not resist himself from visiting the venue. “I am an avid fan of WWE and UFC. When I realised that I had the chance to be a part of the show in my own city, I was not ready to let the opportunity go,” said the 19-year-old.
The crowd went berserk when popular actor and Lok Sabha MP Siddhant Mohapatra took centre stage. “Self-defence is something which is very important nowadays. Practicing these different forms of martial arts will definitely help one develop physically as well as increase his confidence,” asserted Mohapatra. “I am sure that this event will herald a new era in the field of physical awareness.”
Meanwhile, the organisers are expecting more people Sunday but are a bit apprehensive of how to fit them in the limited space available. However, Utkal Karate School founder Hari Patnaik assured that more seats will be arranged for the spectators. “We know that the number of spectators will increase Sunday. We are making necessary arrangements to accommodate all,” said Patnaik. “The giant screen outside the hall will also continue to function,” he added.
Results
Khriemelie Metha bt Sidhialal Marandi; Neeraj Borah bt Tapas Pradhan; Shihrahziio Mao lost to Vijay Gupta; Siddesh Sirganonkar bt Nain Shahi; Victor Angami bt Karthik M; Vicotr Kiho lost to Satyajeet; Ayush Tandon lost to Sourav Nath; P Satish bt Ali Zhargam; Imkong Jamir bt Nidhin George; Kishan Gupta bt Keshav Sardar; Guru G lost to Kimson Thoni; Suni Khatri bt Rajesh Munda.
