KATHMANDU, Nov 23: A Nepali national, Abiral Ghimire, was selected to play the world’s popular, K-1 Kickboxing International Competition 2020.
Abiral, 21, popularly known as Himali Chituwa in kickboxing, is the youngest Nepali to play the competition which is schedule to take place on December 13 in Tokyo, Japan. Abiral is facing Brazilian boxer Philip in the competition, said entrepreneur Ram Narayan Ghimire.
Son of renowned international boxer and Coach Dev Narayan Ghimire, Abiral is in Japan for training from father Dev Narayan. Originally from Gurjudhara of Chandragiri Municipality-12, Abiral and his family have been residing in Nagoya in Japan for the past five years. Dev Narayan, also a martial arts athlete, took part in the competition representing Nepal in 2004.
Abiral took part in 47 professional kickboxing competitions including nine international ones so far and of the nine, he won eight setting the world record, said Ram Narayan.
“Abiral has a courage, strength and dedication. It is a big achievement for him to be selected for the competition from Nepal. I am sure that he will win the match. For this, I want to ask the government and Nepali people to provide him support and encouragement,” wrote Dev Narayan on his social networking site account.
Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, Japan Dipak Karki said it was a matter of pride and happiness for Nepal as Abiral was selected for the competition.
Abiral also won the S-Battle Kickboxing Competition title held in Japan last year. He defeated a Japanese boxer Rada at additional 2 minutes. Both of them played a draw at three phases in three rounds of the match.
Likewise, he won the title of the Heat 46 Kickboxing competition held in Nagoya last year. He defeated Japanese boxer Mukebas becoming the youngest player to win the title.
“I want to make Nepal known to the world once again through boxing. Provide me with energy and encouragement. I am reaching triumph in the competition,” Abiral wrote on his social networking site account.
