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You are in: Birmingham > Sport > Features > Kickboxing champ

Qasim Nisar

Qasim Nisar

Kickboxing champ

Solihull College student Qasim Nisar is the new Amateur World Kickboxing Champion. Faye Melhuish spoke to him.

Qasim Nisar, 18, and from Sheldon, hasn't done too badly for himself.

Qasim in action

Qasim in action

He began kickboxing competitively at Midlands level just two and a half years ago. He then progressed to win the English National title, two British titles and the European Championship. He won the Amateur World Championship belt in July this year.

The story so far 

Qasim studied karate for three years until he decided that he wanted to do "something more practical". He was introduced to kickboxing through a friend and has not looked back since.

Qasim and his belts

Qasim and his belts

"My family are fully behind me, at first my mum was worried about me fighting, but now she backs me up all the way." he says.

In training 

But of course getting to this level hasn't been easy:

"Before a big fight I train every morning and evening, going to a kickboxing gym with my coach Neil Kelly, doing pad work, fitness and conditioning work and going on three runs a week."

Qasim, like many other teenagers, likes going out with his friends and playing football.

But his commitment to his sport means compromising on his social life. When preparing for fights he doesn't go out much and concentrates on eating the correct foods, "getting his head" into the fight.

Qasim and his coach

Qasim and his coach Neil Kelly

Is it worth it? "It's the best thing ever!" said Qasim. "I am now focusing on moving onto the next step and turning professional."

The next step

Professional kickboxing is fiercely competitive. The bouts are longer. If he turns pro, Qasim will have to do battle using smaller gloves, and without a head guard.

He knows that that he'll have to train harder to make the grade. He will have to learn to fight by new rules. But Qasim isn't phased. He knows exactly where he wants to be:

"My ultimate goal is to fight at professional world level."

last updated: 21/08/07

You are in: Birmingham > Sport > Features > Kickboxing champ



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