A talent young kickboxer from Ripon has qualified for the world championships after winning gold and silver in a major tournament.
Ripon Grammar Year 8 student Mehreen Syed won a gold medal in points fighting and a silver in light contact, a continuous fight of two rounds of 1 minute 20 seconds each, at the World Karate and Kickboxing Union qualifiers in Wolverhampton.
The 12-year-old, who has scored wins in every competition she has entered, including two major national contests, will now compete in the 12-to-13-years 45kg category at the world championships in Germany.
She faced stiff competition to get through, up against six other top-performing candidates from clubs across the UK in each age and weight category.
She said she was ‘beyond thrilled’ to make the championships:
“It’s been an intense journey, but I’ve always believed in my training and dedication.
“The competition was fierce, with so many talented athletes from all over the country, but I knew that if I stayed focused and pushed myself, I could make it.”
She’s now preparing for October with a focused mindset, she said:
“I’m upping my training intensity and ensuring every detail is in place for the trip. It’s going to be an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to give it my all!"
Her mother, Shahtaj Assadi, said she couldn’t be prouder of Mehreen for qualifying through such a challenging competition.
She said:
“Her dedication and resilience throughout this process have been inspiring to watch.
“I’ve no doubt she will continue to excel as she prepares for October, and I’ll be there supporting her every step of the way.
“Her hard work is paying off, and this is only the beginning."
Mehreen, who first took up the sport aged four and has already won her brown belt, has always wanted to compete for her country.
Also a keen swimmer, hockey player and gymnast, she trains for her kickboxing in Leeds and confesses she was hooked from the moment she took part in her first competition.
Mehreen said:
“The whole environment and competitive spirit made me want to go on and on.
“My ambition now is to achieve my black belt, as well as representing England.”
Having also trained in lifeguarding, Mehreen juggles fall her sport, alongside her studies, with the two hours a day, two days a week, she spends on her kickboxing training and plans to go to university after RGS.
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