Mysore :

Mohammed Zulkha- rnain Beig is a 20-year-old Muay Thai fighter from city with a Pro-Amateur Muay Thai World Championship bronze medal to his credit. He fights at the Academy of Martial Science in Krishnamurthypuram and is being trained by Kru. M.N. Vikram.

He has been at the Academy of Martial Science since around three years and has been involved with kickboxing since around 14 years of age.

A resident of Bannimantap in city, Zulkharnain studied upto 7th standard at St. Matthias School in Bannimantap and later pursued his studies at Qatar and completed his education (equivalent to PU) there. He wants to do a course in Hotel Management.

Eldest son of Ayub Beig, a Mechanical Engineer working at Doha, and Bibi Sara, residents of Bannimantap, Zulkarnain has a younger brother Zafeen Beig who is studying seventh standard at St. Matthias School in city.

Star of Mysore caught up with young Zulkharnain who has huge ambitions in the sport of Muay Thai. Excerpts:

SOM: How did you initially get into Muay Thai martial art?

Zulkharnain: I started learning Muay Thai for fitness, self-defence and moreover I wanted to be a boxer and felt happy when I learnt that Mysore had a Thai kick-boxing training centre in which I soon got enrolled.

SOM: What do your family and friends think of the sport which you have chosen to pursue?

Zulkharnain: My friends think it is cool, quite a few of my friends want to join as well. My family are very supportive and encourage me.

SOM: You train at Academy of Martial Science. What’s it like training there?

Zulkharnain: Training at Academy of Martial Science is good. My coach Vikram trains me for three days a week and I follow it up for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening on the remaining days. I am happy to be part of the Academy and I’ve learnt so much there.

SOM: You had a very successful year in Muay Thai. What can we expect from you in 2014?

Zulkharnain: In 2013, I won the fight against France in the world championships and achieved a bronze medal. I was one among 650 fighters from 79 countries to achieve this feat. I will be competing in the Amateur and Pro-Amateur World Championships to be held in the year 2014 to bag the title.

SOM: Why do you fight and what motivates you?

Zulkharnain: I fight because I love it. I train so hard that if I could fight every weekend I would, and it makes me happy. I love winning and I learn when I lose. My trainer Vikram and my family motivate me to fight.

SOM: What was the reaction of your friends and family members when you told them that you were selected to participate in the World Championship?

Zulkharnain: Everyone among my friends, family and relatives were shocked when I told them about the selection and they were in for a shock again when I told them that I won the bronze medal at the championship. I am proud to represent my Mysore, my club and my country India.

SOM: What is Muay Thai to you and what has it taught you?

Zulkharnain: To me Muay Thai is a weapon for self-defence and a sport. It has taught me confidence, patience, hard work and very importantly, discipline in life.

SOM: Your message to youngsters who want to take up this as a sport or for self-defence.

Zulkharnain: My message to youngsters, especially girls is, get trained in Muay Thai as it helps in many ways especially for self-defence, good health and to lead a disciplined life.

Speaking on trainers, Zulkharnain’s coach Vikram said that a trainer first needs to be trained properly and correctly to inculcate both physical and mental discipline among their students.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by  S. Kenneth Shishir / July 25th, 2013