Chennai: Conviction, a word to describe the drive people have in them to do things that will change their lives or the lives of those associated with them, is best suited to describe Ayaan Kumar’s parents. Praveen Kumar and Anjali who live in Pudur, were determined about one thing when they had a child, that they would provide every single opportunity to their ward to grow in the way that the toddler would want to.
The result is that Ayaan has won the bronze medal at a south zone Karate tounrament that saw contestants from four States turn up. Taking part in sparring or rather fighting an opponent, the six-year-old came third best in what was his first evert tournament.
His father and I wanted to enrol Ayaan in a sport. So, we tried different academies and the moment he clapped eyes on a punching bag, he took it up like fish to water. However, he cannot train for boxing as he is very young. So, we enrolled him in mixed martial arts and Karate is the first one they teach, said Anjali. Having trained for just four months at an academy in Mugappair, the minor now has a bronze and a silver medal to his name. The latter was acquired recently at a tourney held in Royapettah. Ayaan is expected to move up the ranks, subsequently build his body and core to take up boxing in his adult life.
Anjali said she and her partner did not want him to take up cricket despite being firm in their decision to enrol him in sports. Ayaan, who is very enthusiastic about his new training regime said he loves the sport a thousand trillion times. The first standard student gets home, packs his training bags and immediately goes to train for an hour three days a week at present.
He also said he loves Kebiraj master who is the head of the academy that he trains in. The academy is present in Mugappair and he is coached by Ravi Kumar at the moment. Ayaan is currently getting ready for another tournament and slowly, he is expected to move up the ranks and take up boxing, his love at first sight(!). Ayaan’s parents can be contacted at 9840911919.