The Asian Kickboxing Championship kicked off on Saturday at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here. Kickboxers from Greece,Hungary,France,Czech Republic,Hong Kong,Nigeria,Afghanistan,Yemen,Nepal,Lebanon,UAE and Iran were among the participants,with several kickboxers from India also competing,said a press note. However,it was a poor start for India as Rajiv Berry lost out to Raul Moktan of Nepal in the in the 65 kg category. Arenose Quiton from Hong Kong ended up a surprise loser,as Saied Eftekharian of Iran pulled off a major upset in the 72 kg bout,the note said. His countryman James Kouane did much better in the 88 kg bout,knocking Indias Sanjay Jha out in the first round for an emphatic victory. The final bouts took place at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday evening,where the Indian,Asian and international titles changed hands. Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe and MP Nilesh Rane were present on the occasion,the note added. Results:1st fight (65kg): Raul Moktan (Nepal) beat Rajiv Berry (India)2nd fight (72kg):Arenose Quiton (Hong Kong) lost to Saied Eftekharian (Iran)3rd fight (88kg):Sanjay Jha (India) lost to James Kouane (Hong Kong).
