Kalimpong's Solomi Khati Shines with Silver at Asian Kickboxing Championship 2024

KalimNews, Kalimpong, October 15, 2024: In a moment of immense pride for Kalimpong and India, Solomi Khati, 30, a member of the Winners Squad Team of Kalimpong District Police and Karkriti Kickboxing Association, secured a silver medal at the prestigious Asian Seniors Kickboxing Championship 2024. The championship, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from October 6-13, 2024, saw top athletes from across Asia compete for top honors.

Solomi’s remarkable performance in the championship is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the countless hours of training she has put in. Competing in the 52 kg weight category, her journey to the podium was hard-fought and inspirational, highlighting the strength of Indian kickboxing on the international stage.

Speaking about her achievement, her coach, Youraj Rai, General Secretary of Karkriti Kickboxing Association, expressed immense pride in Solomi’s accomplishments. "Solomi has been training under me since 2021, and her progress has been nothing short of remarkable. This silver medal win is not just a proud moment for her, but for India and our association as well. Her dedication and perseverance have brought her this far," said Rai.

This is not Solomi's first major international success. In 2022, she participated in the Asian Kickboxing Championship (K1 style) held in Bangkok, Thailand, where she secured a bronze medal in the same 52 kg category. In addition, she has represented India at multiple international events, including competitions in Portugal, consistently showcasing her talent and commitment to the sport.

Her participation in the Winners Squad of the Kalimpong District Police adds to her unique identity as an athlete who balances professional duties with her passion for kickboxing. As a member of this elite team, Solomi embodies the discipline and strength that both policing and sports demand.

Coach Rai further emphasized Solomi’s growth as an athlete. "She has achieved several milestones under my guidance, and this latest achievement is a reflection of her continuous hard work. We are thrilled with her performance and eagerly await what the future holds for her," Rai added.

The people of Kalimpong have rallied behind Solomi, celebrating her as a local hero whose success will inspire the next generation of athletes. The Kalimpong District Police, too, extended their congratulations to their team member, commending her for bringing laurels to the district and the country.

With her silver medal win in Cambodia and her consistent performances on the international stage, Solomi Khati continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of kickboxing. Her journey is far from over, and her supporters look forward to seeing her continue to rise in the global sporting arena.

Representing India, the WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) India Kickboxing Federation team had 50 participants, including 6 Gorkha girls competing in different categories. The Indian team delivered an impressive performance, winning 6 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze medals—a total of 27 medals—securing 5th place out of 23 Asian countries.