# Girish R Gowda

Girish R Gowda (born 9 February 1986) is an Indian kickboxer 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.

## 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.

## 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
* 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
* 40 Medals in national level kickboxing
* Total 175 kick boxing medals

## Awards and honors

* Best Kickboxer award from Department of Youth & Sports Karnataka 2019
* Nominated as "Hero of Bangalore"
* Young Achiever in Lions Club
* Received a Award Called SULTAN OF KARNATAKA in March 2016
* Awarded Doctorate at Bangkok, Thailand in March 2019
* Best kickboxing athlete award at GTF World Summit 2019

## Skills

* Kickboxer 2nd DAN black belt
* International Wushu fighter
* Karate 2nd DAN black belt and also karate state level champion
* Recognized as kickboxing Indian national referee
* International judge and referee - Ring Sport National Coach Certificate, Lonevala in Rothak September 2017
* Speaker with Swiss coach
* Professional trekker till now 375+ trekking
* Overcame acute promyelocytic leukemia with 113 chemotherapy even while attending tournaments
* Trained more than 5000 people such as athletes, celebrities, group classes and more.
* Professional fight trainer
* Fitness trainer
* Certified personal trainer