New Delhi, July 10, 2025 – In a prestigious ceremony held at the Delhi Secretariat, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, honoured renowned international kickboxer Sudhir Saxena for his remarkable achievements in sports and his continued dedication to public welfare. The event celebrated not only Sudhir’s recent medals on the international stage but also his inspiring role as a changemaker and youth icon.
Sudhir Saxena, a fierce and disciplined athlete from Lahasani village in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, recently clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Kickboxing Championships in Cambodia and a silver medal at the 4th India Open Kickboxing Championship held in Delhi. His victories have become a source of national pride and have positioned him among the top kickboxers representing India on the global stage.
Chief Minister’s Tribute to a National Icon
While presenting the award, CM Rekha Gupta commended Sudhir’s journey and highlighted his dual identity as a sportsman and humanitarian:
“Sudhir Saxena represents the true spirit of India — strength, humility, and selfless service. He has made the nation proud with his accomplishments and continues to inspire through his work in rural development and youth empowerment.”
She also encouraged other athletes to follow in his footsteps by using their platform not only to achieve personal milestones but also to uplift communities.
A Journey from Grassroots to Global Arenas
Sudhir’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and grounded values. Born and raised in the small village of Lahasani, he overcame countless odds to carve a name for himself in the highly competitive field of martial arts. Today, his name resonates across the kickboxing community, and his journey stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes from rural India.
A Life Dedicated to Service Beyond Sports
In addition to his sporting achievements, Sudhir Saxena has actively worked across India with NGOs and foundations to promote education, health awareness, and rural development. His philanthropic efforts include organizing training camps for youth, supporting blood donation drives, and collaborating on initiatives for underprivileged communities.
He has worked closely with the Gauravi Foundation, with special mention to Mahesh Verma and Summit Chaudhry, whose continued support has amplified his outreach efforts.
Family: The Foundation of His Success
During the ceremony, Sudhir took a moment to express gratitude to his loved ones. He especially mentioned his father, Mr. Suresh Saxena, as his first role model and motivator, and his wife, Priyanka Gautam, for being his unwavering support system throughout his sporting and social endeavors.
Sudhir Saxena has received unwavering support from Mayank Madhur and Vijay Kumar, whose constant encouragement, belief, and motivation have been instrumental in fueling his journey — both as a sportsperson and a changemaker in society.
He also extended his heartfelt thanks to Punjab National Bank (PNB) for recognizing his achievements and honouring him earlier this year on Republic Day. That recognition, he noted, boosted his morale and reinforced his belief in the importance of institutional encouragement for athletes.
Message to India’s Youth
In his address, Sudhir spoke directly to the young generation:
“Discipline and purpose can take you anywhere — from a small village to an international stage. But always remember to use your strength to serve others. True victory lies in lifting others as you rise.”
He encouraged young athletes not to be discouraged by limitations of resources or background, sharing his own story as proof that passion and perseverance can rewrite destiny.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Looking ahead, Sudhir is gearing up for more international competitions while continuing his work in community development. His vision includes building grassroots-level kickboxing training centers and supporting rural youth who dream of making it big in sports.
