Itanagar: Arunachal beloved karate star Johny Mangkhiya, has shared an emotional message following her recent loss at the BRICS Games 2024 to host country Russia.
“I tried my level best, but I could not bring glory to my country, India. I lost to the host team, Russia,” she said in a social media post, apologizing for the loss.
Mangkhiya’s journey has been marked by self-training and a relentless spirit, highlighting the challenges she faces due to the lack of a personal coach and trainer.
“Without a coach, I don’t think I would be able to win on the international platform. They have personal coaches and trainers. They have everything, and I have nothing to compare with them. I don’t have any coaches, neither a trainer nor an academy. I have been doing self-training for three-four years,” she said.
Despite these obstacles, Mangkhiya expressed gratitude towards her supporters. “I want to say thank you to everyone for giving me so many positive vibes, and for wishing and supporting me,” she added.
In a poignant appeal, Mangkhiya also expressed her hopes for the future.
“I don’t think that from this training I will be enough to bring glory to my country. All I need is a good coach and a good trainer. If I had one, I would definitely make my country proud,” she said.
Mangkhiya’s journey, marked by her self-training and indomitable spirit, stands as a testament to her dedication. Her message at the same time highlights not just her personal struggles but also the broader challenges faced by many athletes in the region.
Arunachalee athletes, especially the karatekas, have been struggling since 2018 due to conflicts between two parallel organizations at both state and national levels, which has deprived them of the necessary support.
The are two organizations namely Arunachal Pradesh Amateur Karate-Do Association (APAKA) and Arunachal Karate Association (AKA) and both claim to be the actual organisation to represent the karatekas of the state while the ones fighting at the national level are Karate Association of India (KAI) and Karate India Organisation (KIO).
Despite the lack of proper coaching camps, trainers, and financial backing, Mangkhiya and several other athletes continue to shine, highlighting the immense potential they could achieve with the right support.
Her story continues to inspire, touching the hearts of many in Arunachal Pradesh and beyond, reminding us of the need for greater support for our athletes.
Mangkhiya is the first sportsperson from Arunachal to be selected to represent the country at the Asian Games twice and has brought glory to the state and country on various national and international platforms.
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