Assam: Gardener's Daughter Umabati Rai Wins Bronze Medal at the 5th International Karate Championship

By: Rana Pratap Saikia

9-year-old Umabati Rai is a special child. Born to a gardener employed under OIL India Ltd, Arun Rai, the talented kid from Guwahati city in Assam has not let her circumstances affect her resolve or dedication. The young martial-artist recently proved her mettle at the 5th International Karate Championship held in Kolkata from 26-28 July, organized by the All India Seikhinkai Shito-Ryu Karate-do Foundation by grabbing the bronze medal, much to the delight of her family members,  and well-wishers.

Speaking to Inside Northeast, the 9-year-old says: "I just hope my father is happy. I am happy with my performance, I am happy that I have been able to make him proud. That is all that matters.."

Arun Rai, the father of the precocious Assam daughter says: "It seemed like an uphill task as I have a meagre salary. However, I was helped out at the last moment by my employers and they had arranged accommodation and travel charges for the trip to Kolkata. She could not win the gold medal despite her best efforts, but I am happy that she has won the bronze medal in her first big tournament."

Talking about his daughter's introduction to the sport, he says that he egged her on because of the dangers to women in today's environment. "Women are not safe nowadays, so I decided to introduce my daughter to martial Arts. It is not cheap, as I have to shell out five hundred bucks a month, but I feel that we are now reaping the benefits as she is starting to shine", he said.

"I am a humble man, so I hope that I will get financial assistance from the authorities so that I can help my daughter truly excel and continue her dream", he sighs.

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