An eleven year old unsung karate kid, Clifford Luiram who is known for his undisputable speed has yet again added a new feather in his winning cap with the new addition of gold medal in the 4th Goodwill Open National Taekwondo Championship 2021 held at Assam.
Luiram who hails from Longbi Kajui in Manipur’s Ukhrul district undying thirst for martial arts became clear as he pour out his interest and future course of action exclusively with the Ukhrul Times.
When asked on what drives him into the field of martial arts, Clifford Luiram said, “I get into martial arts for my self defence as it is vital for self protection. One must at least learn the necessary skill set to protect and guard because no one knows what situation awaits us. Preparedness is therefore the key to keep oneself safe instead of becoming a victim of circumstances.
On being asked if he encountered any problem meeting his martial arts and studies, Luiram who is a class V student of St. Anthony school, Shillong, exuded confidence that his martial arts training class in no way affect his studies. “When one have interest in ones chosen field, every move seem less burdensome and with discipline my studies, timing and martial arts training become more enjoyable.”
“I will continue to learn martial arts,” he said exuding hope that he will one day surely become a famous martial arts personality, and thanked his master for the unceasing encouragement.
Speaking to Ukhrul Times, Luiram’s instructor, Master Pinky Narzary who is a 4th dan black belt and a national referee, said that Clifford Luiram is the most enthusiastic student of her academy. She said, “I believe in him. He is an exceptionally good player among his age. Clifford has potential to learn martial art Taekwondo. If he continues with his current interest and pace, I can assure that one day he will definitely represent India Team, Pinky exuded and wished him good luck for the future.”
Talking about Luiram’s other two siblings, she says both Rinreiso Luiram and Okmi are also equally good in martial arts, its just that Clifford had extra potential.
The 11 year-old passionate Clifford’s tryst with martial arts began in 2018, then an eight year old boy. Since then, there has been no looking back for this talented young kid who went on to win back to back gold medals in every martial arts sporting events that he participated bringing more laurels to the sporting power house of the state that has produced scores of professionals.
Wonthingyo Luiram, mother of three children said, “As my husband is in Assam Regiment he is always on the move though he is quite supportive of his children pursuits. In his absence I shoulder the whole responsibilities of looking after my three children. I am grateful and happy that my sons are doing well in both studies and martial arts. Clifford winning gold in all the competitions he has participated is another joy for me and my family.”
His paternal uncle Johnson Luiram, retired Assam Regiment, was the brain behind enrolling Clifford in the martial arts school.
Johnson said that in today’s fast shrinking government job, a trained professional in the martial arts with required educational qualification can get into Indian Army line, adding, with that in mind and seeing my son ever ready to learn new skills and technique, I make sure that I give my fullest support.
Clifford’s to his credit has won series of gold medals in various competitions including the recently held 4th Goodwill Open National Taekwondo Championship 2021 held at Assam, Agriculture University, indoor stadium on November 19 to 21.
The event was organised by Assam Taekwondo Academy, India and supported by Korean Cultural Centre, India; The embassy of the Republic of Korea and all Assam Taekwondo Association.
Prior to that, Luiram had also bagged gold medal in “2021 Youth Cup” organised by Leo Sports and Cultural Society, Delhi in the last week of September.
He bagged gold in speed kicking, CB, sub-junior male under 25 kg (A).
Youth cup is an online open taekwondo poomsae and speed kicking championship.
A student of self-defence martial arts training centre, Meghalaya, the 11-year-old Clifford won gold medal in the Kimunyong Open Taekwondo Championship 2019 held in Guwahati.
Pinky who currently runs two martial art institutes in Shillong, namely, Self Defence Martial Art Training Centre (S.D.M.A.T.C) and Angel’s Institute of Martial Art (A.I.M) did her instructor course in 2018 in Korea, and also Netaji Subhash National Institute Of Sports (NSNIS) certificate in top grade A.
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