Sibling power punches into World Kickboxing Championship

THEY share the same surname — and now, the same championship dream.

- ANNIE DORASAMY

Sisters Aaisha Lachporia, 14, Zahia, 11, and Nabiha, 8, from Ormonde, Johannesburg, will be competing together on an international stage, trading kicks and punches when they step into the ring for the upcoming World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Championship in Sheffield, England.

With each bout, the Lachporia siblings in Grades 8, 5 and 3, will aim to prove that strength runs in the family.

“It is exciting to stand on the world stage as sisters and to experience this as a family. It feels like a dream come true to have the opportunity to go to England together to represent our country in a sport that we've loved and practiced for years. There is a special kind of strength that comes from doing this together,” said Aaisha, speaking on behalf of her sisters.

Her kickboxing journey began when she stepped into the ring at just 4-years old — and it wasn’t long before Zahia and Nabiha jumped in on the action too.

"Nabiha pretty much grew up with kickboxing as part of her life. Zahia and I were always practicing our moves and always talking about kickboxing, so it wasn’t just a sport anymore, it was part of our family routine,” she said.

Whether they’re in the dojo or dealing with everyday life, the siblings always have each other's backs.