Kickboxing isn’t recognized in Telangana, and that needs to change: Naisha Bajaj

Hyderabad: Naisha Bajaj is one of Telangana’s most accomplished kickboxers. A black belt with multiple national and international gold medals, she has dominated the sport for over a decade.

Despite her achievements, she and other kickboxers in Telangana face an uphill battle. Kickboxing is not recognized under the state’s outdated sports policy. This lack of recognition means no government support, no access to state training facilities, and no sports quota jobs.

In an exclusive interview with NewsMeter, Naisha opens up about her journey, the challenges she has faced, and her fight to bring kickboxing into the spotlight in Telangana. Excerpts:

NM: How did you get into kickboxing?

Naisha: I started with Taekwondo when I was five years old. When I was seven, my mother joined kickboxing classes, and I wanted to go with her. She eventually stopped training, but I continued because I enjoyed it so much. That’s how my journey in kickboxing began.

NM: What kept you going?

Naisha: I developed a deep passion for the sport early on. Once I started competing, winning gave me the motivation to push myself further. Over time, kickboxing became an integral part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine giving it up.

I train to fight to the best of my abilities, regardless of the outcome.

NM: You’ve won multiple gold medals at national and international levels. Do any victories stand out to you?

Naisha: Every victory holds significance for me, but I don’t dwell on them for too long. I always remind myself that there is still a long way to go. Instead of focusing on past achievements, I prefer to concentrate on what’s next and how I can improve.

NM: How do you prepare for competitions?

Naisha: I train twice a day—two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. My training includes technique work, conditioning, and sparring. Nutrition is also a key part of my preparation. Before a tournament, I reduce high-intensity workouts and focus on recovery and mental conditioning to ensure I’m at my best.

Recovery was painful, but I refused to stop.

NM: You had a major injury last year. How did it affect your journey?

Naisha: In October 2024, I fractured my hand and had to undergo surgery. The recovery process was extremely difficult, especially in the first two months. I couldn’t train the way I used to, which was frustrating. However, I didn’t want to stop completely, so I focused on improving my kicks. In a way, the injury forced me to refine other aspects of my fighting style.

NM: Was it difficult to return to fighting after the injury?

Naisha: Yes, the biggest challenge was regaining my confidence. I couldn’t take the impact on my hand for a long time, which made competing feel risky. But I pushed through, and when I finally stepped back into the ring, I won gold. That victory was special because it reassured me that I was back on track.

NM: What helped you through the recovery process?

Naisha: My support system played a huge role. My mother, my coach, and my teammates encouraged me throughout my recovery. My coach made sure I stayed involved in training sessions, and one of my teammates kept checking on me during my hospital stay. Their support meant everything to me.

Kickboxing isn’t recognized in Telangana, and that needs to change.

NM: Despite your success, kickboxing is not officially recognized in Telangana. What does that mean for you and other athletes?

Naisha: It’s a huge disadvantage. Telangana follows an outdated sports policy (G.O. 74, issued in 2012), which does not include kickboxing. Because of this, we don’t receive government support, we don’t have access to state training facilities, and we aren’t eligible for sports quota jobs. This creates a major roadblock for kickboxers in the state.

NM: Have you taken any steps to change this?

Naisha: Yes, my teammate Harsha and I have been actively working on this issue. We submitted all the required documents to the government, and the Telangana Kickboxing Association has also done the same. The response so far has been positive, and we’re hopeful that kickboxing will be included in the state’s revised sports policy.

NM: How would recognition change the future of kickboxing in Telangana?

Naisha: Recognition would be a game changer. Right now, many talented athletes quit because there is no government support. If kickboxing is officially recognized, it will open doors for better facilities, financial aid, and greater exposure at the national and international levels. More athletes will be encouraged to take the sport seriously, knowing they have a future in it.

Be patient—good things take time.

NM: What’s your ultimate goal in kickboxing?

Naisha: My first goal is to get kickboxing officially recognized in Telangana. Second, I want to become a world champion in my weight class. In the long run, I hope to fight professionally and eventually train the next generation of fighters.

NM: What advice would you give to aspiring kickboxers?

Naisha: Be prepared for setbacks. Injuries will happen, and progress won’t always be linear. The most important thing is to control your emotions, stay confident but humble, and never lose patience—good things take time.

As Naisha continues to train and compete at the highest level, she remains not only a fighter in the ring but also an advocate for kickboxing in Telangana. Whether through her performances or her efforts to gain recognition for the sport, she is determined to leave a lasting impact.