Kerala's first female mixed martial arts performer is here

Kozhikode: Naipunya S. may look like just a girl next door, but the 16-year-old is also an up-and-coming mixed martial arts (MMA) performer in the amateur category.

A Kozhikode native, she is pursuing her studies at Government Higher Secondary School, Karaparamba.

For the first time, after her intense one-year training in MMA and three years' training in boxing, Ms Naipunya has entered the ring competing with professionals from Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on Saturday at Gujarati Hall here.

It was a chance happening for her while following her goal in studies, as she came across a local gym giving MMA training.

“Still, I am not sure why my mom who has no knowledge of MMA, took me there without getting admission in karate or taekwondo classes,” says Naipunya, sharing her first experience of entering an MMA ring.  

"I was always a competitor. So without a second thought, I agreed. I have seen many boys elder to me getting beatings during the classes."

Though she was initially turned away due to her young age, she overcame the responses from people and started concentrating on her fight and its forms, under the training of Ranjith Kunnummal, India’s top MMA fighter.

“Their forms and practices moved me, and it was an inspiration to me to bring perfections to everything I do," she says.

"I had a tough time under the training of Ranjith sir, who showed no mercy while giving training."

Mr Ranjith finds her as one of the most marketable athletes because of her undeniable appeal and after clearing her amateur section, she will become a professional MMA fighter. “The sky’s the limit for her,” he said.

“Obviously, she’s got to keep getting better as a fighter and improving what she’s putting in the work to make it happen. She has a unique ability that I think is different from a lot of other people — she connects with everybody.”