Shillong boy to represent NE

From Our Reporter

SHILLONG, April 18: City lad Raymond Johnny Kurbah (23) has been selected to represent the North East at the Intertiol Mixed Martial Arts Federation at Las Vegas.

 “I have lost all hope as representatives refuse to sponsor. Even if I approach the company, the company will inturn suggest going to the Government, while the latter said that there is lack of funds,” Kurbah told newsmen here on Monday.

“The athletes need Rs 2.5 lakh and the amount has to be deposited before April 23. It is a matter of shame that the State Governments in other states are doing the best for their athletes but it is a sorry state of affairs here in Meghalaya,” he added.

The athlete said that he has struggled alone and has no coach. Kurbah informed that last year too he was selected to participate at the same venue but lack of funds thwarted him from taking part at the games.

“Last year around Rs 16,000 was collected and this is individual sponsorship only,” he said.

At the Intertiol Mixed Martial Arts Federation at Las Vegas which will be held on July 8-15, 2016 and 6 players are selected from different states of India. He informed that mixed martial arts is a component of boxing,taekwondo, muaithai, Jiu jitsu, karate.