Durgapur's little Aaradhya to

Sports

Durgapur's little Aaradhya to compete in kickboxing world cup, but money become an obstacle

At the age of just ten, Aaradhya Dhivar, a kickboxer from Durgapur, is determined to fly the Indian tricolor on the world stage. The Kickboxing World Cup is going to be held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from October 13 to 18, where about three thousand competitors from more than 50 countries will participate. This young talent from Durgapur has been invited to represent India in this event. However, the expense account of about five lakh rupees has become an obstacle in front of this big dream of Aaradhya and her family.

Aaradhya, who won gold medals at the district, state and national levels for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026, has also made the country shine on the international stage. Last year (2025), she won three gold medals and a silver medal at the Waco Open International Kickboxing Championship and a pair of gold medals at the Thailand World Cup. In the words of her trainer Ishwar Majhi, "Aaradhya's hard work and talent are incredible. She has a strong potential to win gold in Uzbekistan as well. But if the state government or a big sponsor does not stand by her, this bright future will be destroyed in the bud due to lack of money."

Although the National Kickboxing Federation has paid a portion of the huge expenses including visa, airfare, registration fees and international standard sports equipment, it is impossible for the Dhivar family to raise the bulk of the money. Aaradhya's mother Kakli Dhivar said that last time they had to take a loan for the World Cup in Thailand. If they do not get a sponsor this time too, they will have to face extreme uncertainty about taking a loan again. Along with the local MLAs, the family has submitted the necessary documents to the state sports department. Although they have received an assurance of clearance from the finance department, but time is very short. Now, this young world champion from Durgapur is counting the days hoping for financial help from the Chief Minister and a kind-hearted industrialist or organization to keep her dream alive.