New Delhi: WAKO India Kickboxing Federation recently held its General Body meeting at the Constitution Club of India to constitute the Governing Council of the All Delhi Kickboxing Association. The federation nominated senior IAS officer Sonal Goel as the President of the newly formed Governing Council.
Congratulating the newly elected executive committee, Santosh Agarwal, President of WAKO India, said the nomination of an IAS officer like Sonal Goel would help the sport reach new milestones. “Under her leadership, not only the Delhi Kickboxing Association will see rapid growth, but also the game of kickboxing will gain wider recognition across the state and the country,” he said.
The other officer bearers elected or nominated to the Governing Council of All Delhi Kickboxing Association are Anil Kumar Singhal – Vice President, Ranjay Atrishya– Vice President, Amit Poddar– General Secretary, Jaikaran Singh Bhadauriya – Joint Secretary, Krishan Dalania– Treasurer, Arka Mandal– Executive Member, Ashish Kumar – Executive Member.
Athletes who had recently won medals at national and international events, along with their coaches, were felicitated at the event by the Guest of Honour, Shetty Udaya Kumar Sagar—Standing Counsel for the state of Telangana in the Supreme Court of India, and Additional Advocate General for Haryana.
The All Delhi Kickboxing Association functions as the state administrative body for the promotion and regulation of the Kickboxing sport in the capital. It operates under the aegis of WAKO India Kickboxing Federation, the national apex body of kickboxing, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and affiliated with WAKO, the global governing body recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Expressing happiness over her nomination, Sonal Goel, IAS said she would focus on promoting the sport in the capital of India. She underlined the role of Kickboxing in shaping both physical and mental strength, stressing that the sport also serves as an effective tool for self-defence, especially for women and girls.
Goel further highlighted her association with Nidar Betiyan, a programme run by Sarv Hitam Manav Seva Sansthan, that conducts free self-defence workshops for girls in Delhi. “Our aim is to ensure every girl is equipped not just with the skills but also with the mental resilience to counter harassment and eve-teasing,” she said.
Agarwal further stated that under the Khelo India scheme, the Modi government has recently launched the Asmita League to promote sports among girls with a focus on self-defence. He added that WAKO India has been entrusted with organising Asmita League events in 150 cities across the country.
