Kandivli lad bags silver at Asian Muay Championship

Manthan Rane from Kandivli won India’s first ever silver medal in Muay Thai (Thai Kick Boxing) at Asian Muay Championship held in Vietnam early in July 7-14.

Rane, who faced fierce competition from international champions from Vietnam, Taiwan and Bangladesh, ensured India a podium finish on his debut. An avid martial arts aficionado Rane, studying in class 10 at Thakur Public School, Kandivli (East) has also won gold at the National Championships held in May 2012 in Bangalore and was therefore nominated for Asian Championship.

An elated Mitali, mother of Rane, said: “Manthan has been an avid karate champion and boxer. He has been very enthusiastic about this sport more than anything. We are proud of his achievement and wish him success.”

His coach Balkrishna Shetty said he had to convince his ward’s parents to continue his interest in sport. “The lad was always driven by Muay Thai since the age of four. Manthan has achieved his black belt in karate at the age of 13 under the tutelage of Harikesh Singh. After this, he came to me at Total Combat Fitness and we have ensured that every effort is put in the boy to pave a successful path at this championship. He has tremendous potential to play at international level of sport and I am glad to be his coach.”