Rising Champions of Kombat Hall: The Real Stories Behind Three Young National Kickboxing Champions
- Shikher
- Nov 19
- 5 min read
Three kids. Three journeys. One unforgettable championship.
When you walk into Kombat Hall, you don’t just see warriors, young and old, training — you see quiet determination, grit hidden behind smiles, and the beginning of journeys that will one day inspire others.
This year, three young athletes — Lavanya, Varuni, and Kanish — stood on the National Kickboxing podium. Read Here in National News
But medals are only a small part of what they gained.
This is their story — told through their words and their parents’ voices — about courage, confidence, challenges, and the support system that shaped them.
⭐ MEET THE NATIONAL KICKBOXING CHAMPIONS – THREE VERY DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES, ONE SHARED FIRE
🟦 🌟 LAVANYA, Age 12: The Calm Warrior with Quiet Confidence
Lavanya began her journey at age 9, driven solely by her own curiosity. She is soft-spoken, composed, and emotionally mature for her age. Her biggest strength? A cool head even under pressure and complete surrender to the coach’s voice.
Her defining moment was dramatic. After winning the Individual Gold, she had already left for the airport after her team's semifinal event… then turned back midway to compete in the team finals. Her team won the National Gold.
Her discipline and flexibility in modifying her moves as per the coach’s instructions make her a natural competitor.
Coach’s Note on Lavanya
“Last year Lavanya lost State finals to a girl who looked scary and relentless. This year she met the same girl in the state championship again. When I told her a specific move to counter the opponent, she did exactly what I asked and won the fight without even breaking a sweat.There’s no stopping someone who has skill, dedication and is ready to change as per coach’s instructions on-the-go.” - Sensei Shikher
🟩 🌟 VARUNI, Age 14: The Passionate Fighter Who Learned to Silence Self-Doubt
Varuni arrived at Kombat Hall just one year ago — but walked into the national arena like she belonged.
Influenced by friends and fuelled by passion, she is expressive, emotional, and fiercely committed.
Her first win brought tears to her eyes.
Her journey is defined by overcoming negative self-talk and discovering her inner strength.
Coach’s Note on Varuni
“There are a rare few who are ready to give it all inside the arena. Be it a sparring session or championship fight, the heart needed for a fight is natural to Varuni. She is like an infallible arrow. As her coach, I just have to ensure the arrow points in the right direction.”— Sensei Shikher
🟧 🌟 KANISH, Age 11: The Relentless Fighter with a Heart
Kanish began training in Karate at age 7 and has developed into a disciplined, focused athlete. He never gives up and shines under pressure. His memorable moments? Multiple matches where he turned the fight around in the last five seconds — the sign of a developing strategist.
Coach’s Note on Kanish
“Kanish shows up for every tournament and despite the results keeps coming back. In the dojo, he will get bashed up by a stronger partner but never give up — he’s relentless. This medal is for that relentless spirit and his parents who ensure Kanish shows up for every championship.”— Sensei Shikher
⭐ THEIR JOURNEYS BEGIN: WHY CHILDREN CHOOSE MARTIAL ARTS
Every champion begins with a small spark.
Lavanya was driven by curiosity.
Kanish wanted to feel strong and learn self-defence.
Varuni was inspired by friends — and fell in love with the sport on day one.
Kids don’t choose martial arts because of medals. They choose it because something inside them wants to grow — strength, confidence, courage, or simply excitement.
Parent Voices
“She became more focused, more disciplined, more confident.” — Alpa and Mohit, Lavanya’s Parents
“Martial arts calmed her aggression. It built her character.” — Shailza, Varuni’s Mom
“The discipline changed him, even at school.” — Meenakshi and Kamal, Kanish’s Parents
⭐ THE TRAINING: WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THOSE DOJO DOORS
Here’s where their stories start to resemble each other. When asked, all three students said the same: “Coaches pushed us, corrected us, and believed in us.” They spoke about drills, sparring, stamina sessions, mental preparation, strategy discussions, corrections after every mistake — and yes, the exhaustion too.
Student Voices
“The toughest part was stamina, but I kept going.” — Lavanya
“My biggest challenge? My own negative thoughts.” — Varuni
“Some drills were very tough, but I pushed through.” — Kanish
⭐CHAMPION MINDSET: WHAT MAKES THESE THREE SPECIAL
Here’s the simple mindset radar in words — the qualities that stood out were discipline, confidence, focus, resilience, and coachability.
Trait | Lavanya | Varuni | Kanish |
Discipline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Confidence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ <--> ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Coach-ability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
All three champions have their own strengths in confidence and discipline. Yet, the common factor is that they are most coach-able, they are always listening to their coach, and that small factor makes them stand out amongst others.
⭐ THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: MOMENTS THAT MADE THEM
Lavanya
She was leaving for the airport after her semifinal. But halfway through, she turned back: “I have to fight for my team.” She fought — and won.
Varuni
Her first win against Maharashtra. As the referee raised her hand, tears welled in her eyes. It wasn’t victory — it was validation.
Kanish
He has multiple last-second comebacks. Five seconds on the clock. One opening. One decision. That’s where Kanish shines.
⭐ PARENTS: THE QUIET FORCE BEHIND THE MEDALS
All three families faced challenges, including busy schedules, school pressure, diet planning, emotional concerns, travel & logistics. Yet their support never wavered.
“We were proud… and emotional. It felt like we were fighting with him.”“We chose Kombat Hall for its discipline and teaching style.” — Meenakshi and Kamal, Kanish’s Parents
“Her coaches made us believe she was in safe hands.”“In Nationals, while not there personally, Shikher Sir and Varuni would analyse every opponent over video and create a strategy. That energy and level of involvement keeps her driving.” — Shailza, Varuni’s Mom
“Lavanya was a ball of energy… The way they train Karate at Kombat Hall is amazing… We had to struggle a lot on her diet planning, but we came on top. Seeing her win the medal, we were beaming with pride.” “Lavanya’s journey has been a reminder that it's okay to take risks, face fears, and try new things – and that failure is just a stepping stone to growth.” — Alpa and Mohit, Lavanya’s Parents
“Trust your child. Support them. Leave them in hands of capable coaches and let them lead.”
⭐ WHAT THEY LEARNED: LESSONS BEYOND THE PODIUM
Lavanya — “Never give up. Hard work shows somewhere."
Varuni— “Confidence can change everything."
Kanish — “Discipline and belief can take you very far.”
“Every champion was once a beginner.”
⭐WHAT THIS MEANS FOR NEW STUDENTS & PARENTS
For Young Martial Artists
Keep showing up
Listen to your coaches
Confidence is built, not born
Even one small improvement per day matters
It’s okay to feel scared — walk in anyway
For Parents
Encourage your child’s passion
Trust the process
Don’t let them give up
Talk to coaches frequently
Martial arts build character, not aggression
Give them space to grow into their own identity
🌟 CLOSING NOTE: MORE THAN JUST MEDALISTS
Lavanya. Varuni. Kanish
Three different personalities. Three different stories. One shared truth:
They didn’t just win medals — they grew as human beings.
And that’s the real victory.
All of us at Kombat Hall are proud of them. Their coaches are proud of them. Their families are proud of them.
May their journeys light the path for many more young warriors.
Love
Shikher
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