At an age when most children are busy balancing homework and playtime, 11-year-old Lakshiv is already punching above his weight — quite literally. The Class VI student of Cambridge Innovative School has emerged as one of Punjab’s promising young kickboxers after clinching a gold medal at the 22nd Cadet Punjab Kickboxing Championship 2026 held at BD Arya College, Jalandhar Cantonment, recently.Competing against nearly 450 participants from 23 districts across Punjab, Lakshiv struck gold in the Under-42 kg Point Fight category, earning himself a coveted spot in the national-level championship scheduled to be held next month in Madhya Pradesh.For the soft-spoken youngster, the victory is not merely about medals. It is the result of years of discipline, training and perseverance that began when he was still in kindergarten. Lakshiv first stepped into martial arts classes as a tiny karate enthusiast at the coaching centre where he has been training under his coach, Yadwinder Gupta. However, like countless young athletes, his training suffered a setback during the Covid pandemic.“When Covid set in, we had stopped sending him to karate classes for some time. It was only in 2023 that he resumed proper practice again. In just three years, he has made a mark for himself at the state-level,” said his mother Dr Karnica, a physiotherapist.Interestingly, behind the young champion’s success lies no elaborate sports science formula or celebrity-style fitness routine. According to his mother, Lakshiv follows a simple but balanced lifestyle. “There is nothing extraordinary in his diet. He just eats healthy, balanced home food. Being a physiotherapist, I make sure his exercise routine and physical conditioning remain proper,” she said.The family’s excitement over Lakshiv’s national selection also comes with a small emotional compromise. His father, Sandeep Rana, works in the merchant navy and is currently sailing. The family had planned to join him aboard during the holidays — a trip Lakshiv was eagerly awaiting. But now, the national championship takes precedence.“Our vacation plans will have to be adjusted because the championship dates clash. But naturally, the event is the priority now,” said Dr Karnica with a smile. Despite his achievements inside the ring, Lakshiv remains calm and grounded outside it. His mother proudly says the youngster has never misused his training. “He is extremely disciplined. Even if someone provokes him, he never shows aggression,” she said.Apart from kickboxing, Lakshiv enjoys table tennis and has also maintained an impressive academic record. A former student of St Joseph’s Convent School, he has consistently been among the toppers in his class before moving to Cambridge Innovative School this year. Now, with a state gold medal around his neck and national dreams in his eyes, the young fighter from Jalandhar is ready for his next big challenge.