2 women from Shimla beat the odds, triumph at Thai kickboxing championship

Shimla: Two women from Shimla have returned with medals from Thailand World Kickboxing Cup held in Bangkok from April 7 to 12.

Dikshita Shilal , a resident of Chirgaon, has clinched the silver medal in the K1 category, which is considered one of the toughest forms of the sport. Meanwhile, Sanika Laltwan has won the bronze medal in the full contact category. She too is from Chirgaon.

Shimla deputy commissioner Anupam Kashyap on Wednesday honoured both athletes for their achievements. Kashyap said the both women had made their region proud and brought glory to Himachal Pradesh and the nation. "Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration for other young people who can carve out their identities through sports," said Kashyap. The DC promised all support to both athletes and announced their involvement in the district administration's campaign against drugs to encourage youth to stay away from substance abuse.

Dikshita has beaten the odds to reach the feat. The youngest of four sisters, she had lost her father in 2021, but continued to pursue her passion. Through their academy, Shilal and Laltwan are training other athletes and have opened the Himalayan Warrior Martial Arts Academy in Chirgaon. This initiative aims to engage children in sports from a young age and fulfill their responsibility to keep their region drug-free.