Nepal’s Martial Arts Pioneer: Sanjeet Kumar Rai Shares Decades of Dedication
Nepal martial arts coach Sanjeet Kumar Rai stands out. Nepal’s martial arts community thrives at grassroots. The country lags in international achievements. Once a dominant force in South Asia, where neighboring nations sought training in Nepal, the landscape has shifted. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan now secure medals at Olympics, World Championships, and Asian events. Yet, enthusiasm for martial arts remains undimmed across Nepal, with dedicated athletes and coaches advancing various disciplines organically in every corner of the nation.
Early Beginnings
Among these committed figures stands Sanjeet Kumar Rai, a seasoned Wuma Kungfu coach with 27 years in martial arts. His path has woven through taekwondo, boxing, and wushu before anchoring in Wuma Kungfu. Beyond competing and judging, Rai now focuses on institutional growth for the sport. His enduring involvement stems from a childhood passion, starting formally in 1994. Taekwondo held special appeal, influenced by his father, a former practitioner.
At age 12, Rai began training under prominent Nepali athletes Vidhan Lama and Sangina Baidya. Parental encouragement played a key role. “My parents said sports build connections, keep the body healthy, and strengthen the mind,” Rai recalled. “That’s why I’ve spent nearly three decades in this field.” Raised in an urban setting, his family had relocated to Dillibazar before his birth. His father enrolled him at the Dasharath stadium, hoping his son would achieve through athletics. This environment nurtured Rai’s deep affinity for martial arts culture.
Path to Wuma Kungfu
Rai’s curiosity prevented him from specializing early. Every discipline intrigued him, leading to stints in boxing and wushu. Ultimately, his 27-year career advanced through Wuma Kungfu. “I learned taekwondo basics but didn’t pursue it as a career. Boxing sparked interest in Kungfu styles, and since Wuma Kungfu aligns closely, I became a player, coach, judge, and now administrator,” he explained. As senior vice president of the Nepal Wuma Kungfu Association, Rai views Wuma Kungfu as an engaging wushu variant.
The sport entered Nepal in 2004, with Rai instrumental in its introduction and expansion. “From a young age, martial arts was my love. Even during career struggles, I never abandoned it. In recent decades, I’ve worked to establish Wuma Kungfu nationally,” Rai stated. Over nearly two decades, Nepal has earned successes in World Championships, Asian competitions, and other international events.
Achievements and Future
A highlight came at the 2019 WMAC World Cup in Austria, where Nepal won one gold, three silvers, and three bronzes. Rai’s leadership contributed significantly, as team outcomes reflect guidance. He also claimed personal honors, including gold at the 2015 National Wuma Kungfu Championships. Holding a fourth-dan in Kungfu, Rai has judged in India, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and beyond.
Rai excels in organizing national and international tournaments. His participation in numerous referee and judge seminars has established him as a proficient official in Nepal. He holds general secretary positions with the Nepal TOA Kung-Fu Federation (Denmark) and the International Kung Fu Federation (IKFF, China). This expertise aids Wuma Kungfu’s progress, as he shares knowledge through the association.
Challenges persist, however. “We haven’t met all goals due to minimal government support. We fund activities personally,” Rai noted. “But we aim to elevate Wuma Kungfu soon.” He believes targeting schools and colleges for training will yield more athletes.
This feature draws from Rai’s firsthand accounts and federation archives, highlighting a career that continues to punch above its weight. For more on Nepal’s evolving sports scene, stay tuned.
(Source: Nagarik News 2022)
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