Girish R Gowda (born 9 February 1986) is an Indiankickboxer and cancer survivor. Ten months after being diagnosed with blood cancer, the 32-year-old ignored his doctor's advice and was back in the boxing ring to win a gold medal at the Wako India Kickboxing Federation Championship in Delhi.[1]
Biography
Girish R Gowda was born on 9 February,1986 in Bangalore. His father was named Ramachandra, and his mother, Bhagyamma. He had 4 siblings and was an only son. At the age of 12 Girish's father passed away. He finished schooling in GSPK and joined ITI to pursue welding.
He started working at the age of 18 as a Delivery Boy for Horlicks.
Early life and career
At the age of 19 while heading back home after work Gowda accidentally stepped on a political banner. Upon realizing it, he returned the banner. The owner of the banner immediately started an argument which ended with Gowda getting slapped in public. Humiliated and dejected, a stunned Girish went home and cried. He wanted to take revenge but realized that he is responsible for his family's well-being. Girish decided to channel his anger into something interesting and productive. He enrolled in boxing class without informing his mother. He sneakily attended classes either before or after work hours. His mother eventually found out and wasn't happy. She told him to either study or work and not to waste time pursuing pointless ventures. Girish understood the need of supporting his family, but did not want to give up his dreams. He promised his mother that he would stop boxing, but instead joined Karate classes as well. After five years later he was awarded a black belt in Karate, Girish recalled the feeling of vengeance against the politician had disappeared and was instead replaced by the self-discipline of a fighter. Thanks to his prowess had sheer hard work. Girish was fighting professionally. Girish started competing in the district, state, national and international levels.[2]
Professional achievements
Won bronze Medal at National Kickboxing Championship, Vizag in 2011
Won Silver Medal at National Kickboxing Championship, Vizag in 2012
Won Gold Medal at Haryana National Level Kickboxing in 2014
Won Gold Medal in 81 kg Category at WAKO National Kickboxing Championship, 2015
Won Silver Medal in 81 kg Category at WAKO Asian Kickboxing Championship, 2015
Runner up in Pro-Am national Muay Thai Championship in September 2015
Top 16 in World Championship held in Dublin, Ireland in November 2015
Won Gold Medal at National Level Kickboxing in January 2016
Won Gold Medal at federation cup in February 2016
Won Gold Medal at National Kickboxing Championship, Vizag in 2016
Won Silver Medal at World Cup diamond in Anapa, Russia September 2016 at WAKO World kickboxing Championship[3]
Won Gold Medal at National Level Kickboxing in January 2017
Won Gold Medal at National Level Kickboxing in January 2018
Won Gold Medal at National Level Kickboxing in January 2019
