“1stIndian Open International Kickboxing Tournament 2020” during 9 to 13 February 2020 held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, President’s Estate, New Delhi, INDIA.
‘WAKO India Kickboxing Federation’ successfully concluded the “1st Indian Open International Kickboxing Tournament 2020” during 9 to 13 February 2020 held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, President’s Estate, New Delhi, INDIA.

There were 688 competitors from 33 clubs and 5 countries, i.e., India, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Iran and Ukraine. It was unfortunate for some countries like Turkey and Nigeria who had all the formalities done for the visit but got a last minute cancellation from the Government due to Global Corona Virus issue. The stadium has a 2500 pax capacity and the layout had 1 Ring and 3 Tatami area for the tournament. It was a festive opening ceremony of the Tournament / Cup and was magnified by the presence of Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment (Government India) Mr. Krishan Pal Gurjar who opened the competition and with the presence of one of the most popular Bollywood actress Ms. Ritika Singh, who is the Brand Ambassador of event, one of the most popular pop singers in India, MD Rock Star and Olympian Shri Yogeshwar Dutt from wrestling fraternity.
On the margins of the championships, it was held 4th WAKO International Kickboxing Referee Seminar for Tatami and Ring led by Mr. Brian Beck from Great Britain and Mr. Yuri Lakhtikov from Estonia.
It was a colorful opening ceremony with Musical Forms and dance performances, felicitation to the patrons.
The second day of the competition started with Point fighting and Full contact was also on the schedule which was liked by the spectators. It was a full day schedule for fights including the seminar while signing in and signing off.
The next two full days were reserved for Light Contact and Kick Light, and Low Kick and K1 style. There were many Ring and Tatami Fights including the referee seminars every day where officials would learn and discuss the theory aspect of the referee ship.
The Technical Director from WAKO (IF), Mr Romeo Desa from Croatia was the Chief Observer from WAKO International Federation at the tournament who was present all days to correct the flaws.
The host country India was overwhelmed to get this kind of exposure where the Indian Fighters compete with the International Athletes and learnt the trick of the trade at the same time. Kazakhstan went with a good medal tally. Other countries like Jordan, Iran, Ukraine, Kazakhstan also bagged medals in their respective fight.
It was a mixed feeling on the last day at the stadium. Participants were happy that the event is wrapped up in style with the positive mark and at the same time people were filled with emotions that it has come to an end. The Indian Open International Kickboxing Tournament seems to finish in a flash.
The closing day started with the finishing fights at both the Tatami and the Ring. Then the Tournament further went to most awaited Grand Champion Fights.
Later in the day it started with the ceremony where the Medals and Trophies were awarded to the Winners. Cash rewards were also awarded to the winners for Grand Champion Fights & Gala Fights. Referees and Officials were acknowledged with the WAKO International Federation Technical Committee Chairman – Mr. Romeo Desa and Tatami and Ring Committee Chairman Mr. Brian Beck and Mr. Yuri Lakhtikov. Other members including the Organizing Committee, the Volunteers, the Associates were not left behind and were also given their well deserved Mementos.

Our Chief Guest Mr. Anurag Thakur, Hon’ble Minister Finance & Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India who was supposed to be there couldn’t come due to his Last Minute Important Government meet. There were other distinguished guests like Mr. Sanjay Tyagi, IPS who is the Chief Vigilance Officer – New Delhi Municipal Council; Mr Bashir Ahmad, Associate Executive Member – Indian Olympic Association (NOC-India); Mr. Himanshu Sagar who is an eminent Lawyer and Advisor; Mr. Rajesh Goswami, Chairman – Legal Committee – WAKO India who joined us and witnessed the Great Grand Closing. Our special guests Member – Coaching Committee WAKO Mr. Issa Mohammad Issa Abbunassar from Jordan, Mr. Sergii Rudenko, Vice President from WAKO Ukraine Kickboxing Federation and Mr. Rakhat Yegemberdiyev, Chief Coach from WAKO Kazakhstan Kickboxing Federation were also present there with their respective teams.
The President of ‘WAKO India Kickboxing Federation’ Mr. Santosh Kumar Agrawal gave a closing gesture in his speech where he thanked everyone who were involved in making this a successful one including the Delhi Administration and New Delhi Municipal Corporation without whom the 4 days program wouldn’t be possible as there were Delhi Assembly elections in the middle of the tournament and it was a challenging job for us as far as safety and security of the people is concerned. He also gave his sincere thanks to Mr Roy Baker, President WAKO would have been a part of this event; nevertheless, we will make it happen next year for sure with better us. Mr. Romeo Desa also gave a supporting speech where he praised WAKO India President Mr Santosh K Agrawal and his team for this kind of professional execution of the first ever Indian Open. It was a well managed event without any barrier in any area. He also stated that how this event could play as a role model for other countries and the way Federation is redefining Kickboxing sport in India is wonderful. He congratulated with his whole heart to WAKO India Kickboxing Federation and felt proud to be a part of the event.
Apart from this it was a Musical Night where the cultural programs took place showcasing the Indian Culture. Audience and Guests went gaga with the musical flow. It was a full house for all the Kickboxing lovers where they were entertained by the sport and the gigs. Participants from India and abroad gelled with the Indian theme and really liked the show.
The Closing Ceremony was finally concluded with the launching of the poster for the “2nd Indian Open International Kickboxing Tournament 2021” to be held in New Delhi, INDIA from 3rd to 6th February 2021. 
Overall it was a superb 5 days journey which seems to be gone in a fraction and left with all the memories. This event will be a benchmark for kickboxing fraternity in India and we hope we do more for people in coming years.