Meghalaya kickboxer takes poll position

SHILLONG: He had to flex his muscles, literally, whenever he faced his opponents in the arena. His favourite stance was offence as earning laurels for his state was his only target. But this time, he has adopted a different strategy - a climbdown from his earlier stand - to achieve his goal.


Samuel Hashah, a former kickboxer from Meghalaya , has jumped into poll fray by banking on the power of love which people of the state have for him.

Announcing his decision to contest the LS election from the Shillong parliamentary seat as an Independent on Friday, Hashah said he doesn't need to depend on money or muscle power, which most parties resort to, as he thinks the 'power of love' is a much more potent weapon to win the election.

"I have decided to contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Shillong seat as an Independent. I hope people will shower their love on me as they understand that there is a need for change," said Hashah, who is raring to take on sitting MP Vincent H Pala of Congress and political heavyweight Jemino Mawthoh of United Democratic Party.

Hashah, who holds a black belt in taekwondo, hails from the remote Nongkhllam village in West Khasi Hills district. He has represented Meghalaya in kickboxing for a decade and at present is the president of All Meghalaya Kickboxing Association. He appealed to people to vote for him so that he can raise issues afflicting the state in Parliament. He said there is a need to resolve the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam and also address the problems faced by the people residing in areas bordering Bangladesh.

The sportsperson said poor connectivity, unemployment, lack of a proper sports policy and water scarcity are some of the areas which need urgent attention. He also batted for inclusion of Khasi language in Eigth Scedule of the Constitution.

In 2013, Hashah had unsuccessfully contested the assembly polls from the Mylliem constituency.