In a historic moment for Indian sport, Sushmita Rai from Majhitar, East Sikkim grabbed a bronze at the recently concluded World Martial Arts Mastership 2016 which was held at Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do of South Korea.
The competition was an Olympics for martial arts with 2,073 participants from 87 countries. It was the first comprehensive martial arts competition where national teams from across the globe took part.
She was among the 12-member Indian contingent who participated in the week-long event. Last year, the pugilist from the village of Kamarey Bhasmey, East Sikkim had also won a Silver Medal at the Asian Kickboxing Championship 2015 held in Pune, Maharashtra.
After the podium finish, in a moving note, she expressed her gratitude to former Indian footballer Baichung Bhutia. This is what she wrote:
"Thank you Agya Bhaichung. For the support you have provided to me at the needed hour, I am highly indebted to you Agya. I have always known you as a sports person but today you proved to be a true human. Agya your kindness and concern have saved a life today. Thank you so much. With much gratitude."
Sushmita, meanwhile, has other dreams for the future. Currently, she is pursuing her Bachelors in Arts from the Sikkim Government College ,Tadong-Gangtok. She is also engaged as a Coaching Instructor of Rey Valley International School.
