A tough punch

18-year-old Vinay Betkar, a Gorai resident, aims to become the world’s best karate player


For many of us, watching films is a mere source of entertainment. But for 18-year-old Vinay Betkar, his passion for cinema inspired him to take up karate as a full time career.
Six years ago, he convinced his parents to allow him to learn martial arts. Today Vinay, a resident of Gorai, has been busy collecting medals from various championships that he has been participating in. Vinay talks to Cityplus of his passion and aims.

Movie magic
During my childhood, I was an avid movie watcher. My favourites were action movies of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Seeing them fight, I always wondered of enacting them. In 2005, when I was 12, I expressed my desire to learn Karate. I did not had to try hard to convince my parents. They understood my passion and my father found a Karate coaching class for me and enrolled me there. Since then, there has been no looking back. I took the classes seriously and have been grasping every technique that is taught here. I acquired black belt last year.

Hardwork is must
I believe hard work is vital for succeeding in anything. My passion for the martial arts makes me practise for long hours. I practise for at least five hours in a day in an open ground, at my classes and at home. Besides, Currently, I have been asked to put on some weight and I am busy concentrating on that. Diet is another important part for any martial arts player. I consume lot of proteins through egg, meat and fresh fruits.

Every match counts  
Its only when I participate in championships, will I get encouragement to perform better. I take every effort to play well at my classes so that I am selected for the various championships. In the last two years, I have been participating at every local, state, national and international level championship.  Every competition has added to my confidence.  
4th Asian Goju Ryu Karate Do Championship 2012, in Jharkand, held last month, was the most important competition for our team. 18 nations participated in this tournament. We had to face more than 100 players as the competition saw many players participating. All three members of my team including me were nervous. However, after I got the first medal, we gained confidence and then facing the other eight to nine groups was easier. We ended up winning six silver medals which was a much satisfactory.

Not without Jackie Chan
I draw my inspiration from Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. I wish to be like them someday. Today, I have at least made a start to attain my dream and this definitely would not have been possible without the support of my family, especially my father and my coach. My father takes a keen interest in helping me pursue my interest. Irrespective of the state or country where the championships are held, he always permits me to attend them and wherever possible, he comes along to encourage me.

Future plans
I will continue practising karate and wish to become a well-known and top rated karate player in the world. I know this is attainable only through hard work and dedication and I am willing to do that.

"I draw my inspiration from Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. I wish to be as good as them someday.
Vinay  Betkar"

--SHUBHANGI GHADI