Fighting for Personal and National Pride
Kultar Gill Inspires Indians with Warrior Spirit
Vancouver native and mixed martial arts fighter Kultar Gill scored a TKO victory on July 16th at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. 43 seconds into the first round, Gill kneed his opponent Hideo Tokoro in the face and finished him off. The 27 year old Gill who sports a 9-6 professional mixed martial arts, record has been competing regularly since 2001. “Competing in MMA makes me stronger not just physically but also mentally”, notes the lightweight fighter. “It makes me more of a positive than a negative individual.”
The “Black Mamba” in Russia (courtesy of bodogFIGHT)
The Vancouver fighter who has fought under the nickname “Black Mamba”, is very proud of his Indian roots and unique status as an Indian fighter. “It’s an honor to carry The Indian flag into the ring in front of 30 million people every time I step in the squared circle”, comments Gill. “Most importantly it makes me and my Indian comrades more patriotic and proud of there own culture, it also shines a positive light on India.” While being a well-known name in the mixed martial arts circles in North America, he’s also gained a healthy following in the United Kingdom as well. A chance to fight in the UFC would catapult his name throughout the new fans of the sport. Nonetheless he has already inspired many local BC youth of South Asian descent. “I enjoy the ability to be a role model for the younger lions out there, coming up and distinguishing themselves from everyone else in a positive manner”, notes Gill.
The full time correctional officer Gill, still just fights just for the enjoyment of it, despite being a top level athlete with exceptional kickboxing ability. “Right now fighting is my hobby, I compete because I like to”, comments Gill. “I just want to fight and keep traveling the world at the expense of my natural good looks”, he adds with laughter and follows up by saying, “Getting punched in the face and coming back for more isn’t for everyone.” Nonetheless, his family has been 100 percent supportive of his endeavors to pursue his passion for competing in the sport he loves. And he feels his involvement in it has greatly enhanced qualities such as respect, loyalty and determination in his life. “It doesn’t matter how good you are or what your skill level is, all that matters is how motivated you are and how big your heart is to become champion.”
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