TEENAGE martial arts experts from Trafford have tasted international success.

Dakota Ditcheva and Nakeisha Craig, both 14, returned from the Muaythai Junior World Championships in Turkey with gold medals.

Dakota and Nakeisha were selected to represent the UK by the United Kingdom Muaythai Federation (UKMF) following their success in competitions across the country.

They train at the Northern Spirit Muaythai club in Sale with former world champion Lisa Howarth and former British Champion Leroy Atkinson.

The team of 18 youths from across the UK flew out to Istanbul, Turkey on March 12 for the five day tournament organised by the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (IFMA). Almost 50 countries took part in the very first World Championships of IFMA.

Dakota took gold, after beating a tough Ukrainian opponent in the semi-finals and defeating a home team Turkish opponent in the final for a convincing win, despite having to fight the semis and the final on the same day.

Nakeisha took on a Thai at their own sport and despite being injured in the third round, dug deep to take gold in the final.

Another Trafford girl who enjoyed medal success was Paige Hughes, aged 15, who trains with Beastmasters in Altrincham.

Paige met a tough Turkish opponent in the final and took the silver medal. The UK team won a total of six golds, four silvers and two bronze medals. They also took the 'Fairplay' award for the whole tournament and second place in 'best female team of the tournament'.

Dakota and Nakeisha have been selected to represent the UK in Latvia at the end of April along with five other members of Northern Spirit.

The Ashton on Mersey Youth Bank, Sale West Agencies Partnership and Irwell Valley all assisted with funding for the girls’ trip to Turkey and the the club would welcome any sponsorship offers for the girls.

Contact Lisa at northernspiritmuaythai@hotmail.co.uk