Stepping in Bruce Lee’s shoes: Meet Ferdinand Suchiang, a world champion from Meghalaya
By Ibankyntiew Mawrie, TNT News | Shillong, March 19, 2018:
A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work to see it fulfilled. If Rome was not built in one day, so also dreams and aspirations are not nurtured and fulfilled in one night.
It took years for this young man from Meghalaya to achieve his goals and carve a niche for himself in the world of martial art. Meet Ferdinand Suchiang, a martial art expert who despite all odds managed to climb the ladder of success.
Ferdinand's recent achievements
Meghalaya Home Guards jawan, Ferdinand Suchiang has done his country proud again by winning a gold medal in the 1st World Jeet Kune Do Championship held at Nimibutr, National stadium Bangkok, Thailand from March 12-18.
The championship which was organised by Asian Jeet Kune Do Federation and International Jeet Kune Do Federation, saw the participation of athletes from countries like Syria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.
33-year old Suchiang defeated his Sri Lankan opponent in the below 55 kg category of the Jeet Kune Do competition during the finals held on March 16, paving the way for this young martial artist to bag the gold medal.
This is not the first time that this young instructor at the Unarmed Combat department of Meghalaya Home Guard personnel has brought laurels to the state and the country as a whole.
In October last, Suchiang bagged the Gold medal in the full contact category by defeating his Filipino opponent at the International Jeet Kune Do Championship at Hong Kong. The championship was held at Hong Kong Sea School, Stanley in Hong Kong and saw participation of athletes from the host country, Burma, Philippines and India.
Continuing his winning streak since the regional level championship held recently at Assam, Suchiang had remain undefeated in all the competitions he had participated so far including the National level championship held at Kolkata, West Bengal where he bagged the Gold medal, to qualify for the International tournaments.
So far, Suchaing has bagged 2 regional gold medals, one national and two international gold medals and a number of medals in state-level competitions.
"I am deeply honoured to have been given a chance and opportunity to represent the country in an international platform and I cannot help but thank God for giving me the much-needed strength and the patience to strive ahead in this sports," Suchiang said.
What do we know about this International star from Meghalaya?
Ferdinand Suchiang (33) was born and brought up in Jowai in West Jaintia Hills. He got into the sports (martial art) at a very young age. In 1998, he took up martial art lessons but had to give up in 2004 due to lack of financial support and poverty.
"Poverty was the main hurdle back then. I could't find time to practice because by the time I get home, I was not in a condition to practice. Due to poverty, my brother and I had to struggle really hard to make a living and support our mother," Suchiang said.
But luck was on his side. In 2008, he got a job at the Meghalaya Home Guard and Civil Defence Department in Shillong. Since then, he has been living in Nongthymmai, Shillong.
Ever since, Suchiang has been involved in many martial art forms like kick boxing before he discovered his forte in Jeet Kune Do, a martial art form founded by martial art professional and actor — Bruce Lee.
Despite being tight up at work, Suchiang never stopped following his dreams. Thanks to the cooperation of the officers and staffs of Home Guard.
Expressing his gratitude to the officers and staffs at Home Guard and Civil Defence, Government of Meghalaya, Suchiang said "They (officers/staffs) have always been supportive and they have always encouraged me to pursue with my interest. They saw my talent and skills and didn't stop at mere appreciation but they pushed me further and provided a chance to shape myself and the art form."
"They never complained nor did they prevented me from chasing my dreams rather they supported me and helped me in various ways. They inspire and encourage me alot," he added.
(The writer can be reached at mawrie.iban@gmail.com or iban@thenortheasttoday.com)
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