Eight-year-old kid Sourjjya Bhattacharya on Sunday scripted history when he clinched the gold medal in the Under-9 age category at the Indian Challengers Cup 2024. The International Karate tournament, which saw top athletes from many countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal participate, was a booming affair with Netaji Indoor Stadium in Calcutta playing host.

Sourjjya, who hails from Calcutta's Birati locality, is no stranger to gold medals, having won various national tournaments previously. People in the know of the Karate circuit consider Sourjjya as a top talent capable of representing India down the line. The Brown belt holder is learning the art from, 1st dan Black belt & Hapkido national coach Indranil Das.

Sourjya dedicated his win to his coach and his parents.

"I want to dedicate this win to my coach Indranil Das and my parents Jaydeep Bhattacharya and Suparna Bhattacharya. Without their guidance and dedication, this win would not have been possible," he said.

Sourjjya further said he dreams of representing India one day.

"My dream is to represent India at the highest level one day. I want to win medals for my country," he said.

However, Sourjjya's father Jaydeep Bhattacharya painted a morose picture when asked about Sourjjya's aspirations.

"I know my son is talented and it is our job to help his talent grow. However, I lack the financial acumen needed to send Sourjjya to international tournaments outside the country. Sourjjya needs that exposure to take the next step in his career after winning so many national tournaments in his age category," he said.

"I've knocked various doors for sponsorships, but I haven't been able to get a sponsorship for him. I hope this medal persuades someone to come forward to help this young talent turn into a world beater," Jaydeep added.