18 years old Fighter Sorikhiung Yimchunger recently won Gold (53.6kg) in the 5th series of PML National Youth Mixed Martial Arts Championship 2024 which was held from June 22 to 23 in Maharashtra at the Andheri West Sports complex, Mumbai.
Yimchunger hails from Yakor village under Shamator District and presently resides in Chümoukedima.
In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Tribune, Sorikhiung mentioned that he completed his schooling till 9th standard and had always dreamed of becoming a fighter. “I had joined MMA class at Octafit club three months back and this was my first fight in the Nationals. When my name was announced as the winner, I was overjoyed and grateful! This was the moment I have been waiting for to win. God has brought me this far. All glory to God,” expresses Sorikhiung.
The young fighter also shares that his father has been a major source of inspiration and motivation for him. His father Zhewong Yimchunger was also a martial arts fighter in the 90s in Tuensang District, well known in his white slick (Martial Master) and had received many awards.
“My dad is my role model. He was the first person to support and train me. Initially when I was back at home, my dad used to teach me tactics and encouraged me to keep fit. Whenever I need motivation I think of him,” says Sorikhiung.
Choosing a career in fighting is not a path many choose, yet Sorikhiung feels that fighting has given him a lot of happiness, teaching him to develop self discipline, balance and to progress.
On his training and diet, Sorikhiung shares thatexercise and diet are very important part of being a fighter. “When I moved to Bangalore with my sister and took admission at Octafit to learn fight skills at MMA professionally, some of the diet plan is energy, focus and strength is needed to perform the best in cage. Diet plan are essential part for the fighter,” mentions Yimchunger.
Here, the young fighter suggests consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables to improve fibre intake, eating little meals regularly throughout the day, drinking lots of fluids and muscles blaze (muscle growth and repair making it stable for supplement for MAA fighter).
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Sorikhuing also admits that he underwent physical, mental, emotional challenges but was able to overcome by keeping a set of realistic goals, continuous practice, seeking support and most importantly by maintaining a positive mindset.
“It is not easy, if it was easy everyone will be doing it,” remarks Sorikhiung.
To aspiring fighters in Nagaland, Yimchunger shared some practical advice and tips. Experience being key, he said that one have to go through both good and bad experiences.
“To become a fighter, first you need to be trained in multiple disciplines. It should always come from within your heart and patience is an important factor,” Sorikhiung says. He also advises that it is important to seek inspiration and motivation to boost one’s passion. “You can’t just fight for the sake of it but ask yourself why you are doing this? Every time you want to quit ask yourself why you began in the first place and put 100 percent in yourself. Learn from failure and if you made it, never give up,” added the fighter.
The importance of education was also emphasized where he encouraged young Nagas at home to first complete their education and pursue their goal.
‘‘Always put God first in everything we do. Be patient in life and adapt to learn from mistakes. Constantly challenge yourself, push your boundaries and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone in what you want to be in life then only you will uncover the real you,” says Sorikhiung.
The young Naga fighter’will be representing India at the International fight at KFL Sri Lanka following his selection from the National Youth MMA Championship PML fight.
