Kids doing it for kicks

Nov 12 2010 By Gregg Evans

Kajol Patel may only be ten but she took the kickboxing world by storm when she won a national title in explosive fashion.

Kajol, from Erdington’s Saxon Academy, was crowned the under-30kg World Boxing Association Junior English Champion after defeating Gill Parker in the first round.

Her Accrington-based opponent threw in the towel to spark wild celebrations from Kajol’s jubilant corner.

The victory was made even more significant as she became the first Indian girl to win the title, much to the delight of her father Raj.

“I’m very proud of her. All her hard work has finally paid off,” he said.

“It’s great for her, for the club, and for the Indian culture.

“Without (coaches) Alan and Tyler Shakespeare she would not have done this so I must thank them.”

The Hamstead Primary School pupil said she was surprised with the victory, only her third win since taking up the sport fewer than 12 months ago. “I was so happy after winning and I phoned all my friends afterwards to tell them about it,’’ she said. “I love kickboxing and I want to carry on fighting. My aim is to win a world championship.”

In a busy night at the Ramada Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, Tyler Shakespeare’s fight with Sam Allen topped the bill.

The 18-year-old, also from the Saxon Academy, saw off his Scottish rival on points to bow out of kickboxing in style.