The Karate Kid

Early signs are very encouraging. She’s already an ‘orange belt’ (seventh KYU in the learning category in martial arts term) and has started to win medals in state-level tournaments. A truly rapid progress,given that she has been learning the sport for only two years.

Recently,she won two gold medals in the First Open Women Karate Championship that was held at La Martiniere for Girls to celebrate the International Women’s Day. The event was organised by the All India British Shotokan Kyogi Karate-Do Association — an organisation run by its founder secretary,Tirthankar Nandy.

It is an institute that nurtures the dreams of hundreds of youngsters and helps them achieve their goals. For the likes of Shayani,this institute takes special care and offers financial help.

Sayani’s father Shruti Narayan is a small-time trader but doesn’t hesitate to go beyond his means to fulfil the wishes of his daughter. “I know Shayani is different from others,which is her biggest challenge in life. Adversity,however,has made her more determined. She wants to be a champion in her field and is determined to reach her goal. She also wants to progress in her studies,” says Narayan.

The little girl from Dum Dum,who studies at Adarsha Vidyapith,is working overtime to excel in her life. And her coach at the karate institute,Sensei,Sudhir Biswas,is very impressed. “Shayani is an inspiration to all other trainees and to us as well. The effort she puts in everyday is amazing. Her determination and dedication will ensure that she becomes a champion in every sphere of life,” Biswas says.

Learning karate doesn’t come very cheap. The dress costs about Rs 500,head guards and chest protectors are available at Rs 600 each. A pair of gloves costs Rs 400. Shayani gets everything from her institute. Also,she is being coached for free. “It’s our duty to ensure that her effort doesn’t go astray. Not only Shayani,we provided help to all differently abled trainees. It’s our moral responsibility to help them in whatever way we can,” Nandy explains.

Martial arts is basically about self defence. But for Shayani,it gives her the freedom of expression.