CANACONA
Erica De Sequeira, a 12-year-old girl, is all set to represent India at the 10th Tong-il Moo-Do (TIMD) Martial Arts World Cup 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Erica is the youngest achiever in martial arts from India and the first and only girl from India who first time participated and won a bronze medal at World Mastership Committee (WMC). She will be accompanied by another Goan lad Karan Pandit, who together with their coach Raunak Singh will participate at World Cup 2022 to be held from July 30 to August 4, in Istanbul. There will be participants from 30 countries at the event. World Cup is the most important and challenging tournament in TIMD Martial Arts.
Erica, who hails from Canacona, is studying in Class VII in Our Lady of Rosary High School, Dona Paula. Starting her journey at a young age of nine years, Erica ably supported by her mother Blocy and coached by Raunak Singh, along with two others, twice represented India among 49 countries and won a silver and bronze in the World Tong-il Moo-Do Championship held in South Korea in 2021. During the peak of the Covid pandemic, these events were held in virtual mode, enforcing all the guidelines and structures watched minutely by the judges around the world.
TIMD is a fast growing martial arts discipline currently practiced in more than 70 countries. However Erica, who was again selected to represent India at the 2021 World Cup at Mombasa (Kenya), could not participate mainly due to a lack of financial support and the Covid restrictions.
"Even at that time, we had approached various people including the Goa government for sponsoring her trip to Mombasa, but somehow things didn't materialise and the world cup 2021 in Kenya was held without India's participation. It was not only a disappointment, but an important opportunity lost to bring glory to my country," said Erica.
Erica, who day and night works out under the watchful guidance of her coach Raunak Singh, does workouts at Rajbag beach to practice all three disciplines of her TIMD specialisation -- in sparring, forms and demonstration.
"I know this sort of sport is very hard, but I go for it with all the hardships. I am also studying the history and philosophy of TIMD and ancient martial arts under international coach Raunak Singh and head officials of TIMD India," said Erica. "This time I require no dejection but help from whatever corner it may come to help me to participate in this prestigious event in Istanbul. It's everybody's dream to participate and particularly represent the country internationally and I do not want to miss it at any cost," Erica said.
"It would be my dream come true to represent my country and win a medal in honour of my nation. My aim is nothing less than a gold for my country. We had approached the State government, and I again appeal to our Chief Minister and Sports Minister to give me financial assistance so that I can represent Goa internationally."
