Manipur's Thaovei V Soto wins gold at 1st World Martial Arts Council Games

NEW DELHI: Thaovei V Soto of Manipur bagged a gold medal in the 1st World Martial Arts Council Games Festival held at Bangkok, Thailand.
The youngster struck gold in the 65-70kg category after knocking out his Uzbekistan opponent in the final. He defeated opponents from Iran, Kazakhstan and Brazil in the earlier bouts to reach the final.
The young martial artist had a hard time going to the games despite repeated success at national and zonal levels for the last one year under his coach Khekho Moses, a former martial art medalist.
State government's apathy forced the young lad to meet his own expenses, and with some help from well-wishers and Senapati District Olympic Association Manipur (SDOAM).
A grand felicitation programme was held in appreciation of the four state players including the lone world champion, Thaovei on Sunday.
Hundreds of supporters comprising of public leaders, politicians, students, villagers, well-wishers, friends from Senapati district and the valley gathered at Tulihal Airport, Imphal to recieve them.
(With inputs from KanglaOnline)