Chennai: It is a double joy moment for Temothy, a Karate coach, at Porur in the city when his daughter Abiya, who is also his student, won the National championship in Kata competition recently.
Abiya took part and won gold medal in the Shobukai’s 9th Open National Karate Championship and Premier League which was conducted by the general secretary of Karate Association of India and Tamilnadu State sports academy’s treasurer Althaf Alam. The event was also graced by Karate Thyagarajan.
In an interaction with News Today, Temothy says, “I used to conduct karate classes for children at my house. Abiya started imitating me by shaking her small hands and feet. Seeing her eagerness I started teaching both my son and daughter also. Abiya showed great interest in the art, so me and my master A N Premanand began teaching her.”
ABIYA’S GRIT
Sharing some interesting experiences about her sportsmanship, Temothy says, “When she was about to attend a tournament in Goa, she was down with heavy fever. We feared it to be dengue; I was crushed. I was not sure if she could perform. But she surprised me with her determination. Even in that condition, she was so confident and said that she will definitely fight and win. She gave me the confidence and bagged gold that day.”
“Another memorable tournament was the one in Malaysia. I didn’t take my daughter to foreign countries. Instead, she took me. Indians winning title there was a rarity. She was pitched against karatekas from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, who were all very strong Kata performers; she defeated all her opponents. It was a proud moment not only for me but also the whole Malaysian Tamils,” he goes on.
GAINING SPONSORS
“For us, per match costs nearly Rs 65,000. Sometimes, we go in for sponsorship but mostly have to take care of our own expenses. We are not from a well-to-do family, so I work hard to make my daughter’s dreams come true,” says the Karate coach.
As Abiya is currently preparing for a tournament that will be held in Indonesia in November, the father reveals that, “We make her basics ready right from the white belt level. Everyday she practises for about five hours. If there are no inner politics, then definitely she will find her place in the event.”
‘CONFIDENCE IS MY STRENGTH’
“I have to thank my dad and master for what I am today. They have both supported me immensely in all the stages. For the Indonesia’s match, I am undergoing vigorous training,” says Abiya.
“Now that, Karate is being added in 2020 Olympics, I am very confident that one day I will get into Olympics and win gold for our country,” she adds confidently.
When asked about which player/country is hard to beat, she says, “I have never been frightened by any of my opponents. I trust my confidence, my father and my coach. This helps me focus on winning the matches.”
Abiya can be reached 90437 74239.