Mothers follow daughters into boxing ring, emerge national champions

Kollam: Two mothers from Pathanapuram have scripted an inspiring sporting story, stepping into the boxing ring alongside their children and emerging as national champions.

The champions are S Devika of Maruthiyilin Erathu Vadakku near Pattazhi and Asha Rinto of Rinto Bhavan, Odanavattom. Both first came to the Kottarakkara branch of the Combat Fight Club to enrol their daughters, Riyana and Meenakshi, for boxing training. Inspired by watching their children train and compete, the mothers decided to take up the sport themselves.

With encouragement from their families and the guidance of club coach Sharath, they began training seriously — a decision that has now taken them to national-level success.

The mother duo first claimed gold medals at the state level before going on to achieve victories at the national championships held in Gujarat. In the under-65 kg category, Asha Rinto has won two silver and one bronze medal, while in the over-90 kg category, Devika has secured three silver medals. Their children, too, have received prizes for their outstanding performances in the championships.

Professionally, S Devika serves as an assistant professor of engineering, while Asha Rinto teaches at Vimalahridaya Convent School in Neeleswaram.