Shillong: The 31st State Level Inter-School Karate Tournament 2025 roared to life on July 24, marking a significant milestone with an unprecedented number of participants. This year’s championship has truly outdone itself, drawing in a staggering 742 karatekas – 350 dynamic female and 392 powerful male athletes – representing 104 schools from across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills. This figure shatters last year’s record of 609 participants, underscoring the escalating popularity of the martial art in the region.
The meticulously organised three-day event, a collaborative effort between the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, is being held at the state-of-the-art Multipurpose Indoor Hall at the SAI Centre on the NEHU Shillong campus. The opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Davis NR Marak IPS as the chief guest, with Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President John F Kharshiing joining as the guest of honour.
DIG Marak, a keen sportsman himself with a particular interest in shooting sports, formally inaugurated the tournament. The ceremonial oath was administered by Esaranaki Kharjana, a promising young talent who clinched a silver medal for Meghalaya at a national cadet tournament in Dehradun just last month. Marak lauded AMKA for its exceptional dedication, commending it as one of Meghalaya’s most vibrant and active sports associations. He acknowledged the immense effort involved in bringing together 104 schools, hailing it as a testament to AMKA’s unwavering commitment. He also extended his appreciation to the coaches and parents, recognising their pivotal role in nurturing the children’s passion for karate.
In his address, MSOA Working President John F Kharshiing highlighted the eagerly anticipated National Games 2027, which Meghalaya is set to host. He expressed high expectations for Meghalaya’s karatekas, envisioning them achieving significant success at the Games and beyond. Kharshiing also spoke about the positive impact of the state government’s scholarship programme and financial incentives for successful athletes, citing them as crucial drivers for the growth of sports within the state.
A heartwarming segment of the opening ceremony saw AMKA take the opportunity to felicitate accomplished karatekas and coaches who have recently brought laurels to Meghalaya on various competitive platforms. Among those honoured was Kynjailin Lyngdoh Mawnai, who proudly secured a bronze medal for India at the 9th South Asian Karate Championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka, earlier this month. The other felicitated karatekas included Ferdinand Samkupar Rani, Gideon Tympuin, Gregorwilson Makdoh, Larisha Kurbah, Esaranaki Kharjana, Daphishisha Shadap, and Royal Jayden Laloo. The coaches recognised for their invaluable contributions were Donboklang Lyngdoh, Sunil Rathee, Rodrick Syiem, Edwilbert Kyntiewbor Nongkynrih, and Ester Mary Lyngdoh.
Before the intense competitive kumite (sparring) bouts commenced, the audience was treated to two captivating demonstrations: one showcasing karate as a potent self-defence art and another exhibiting the synchronised beauty of team kata (choreographed movements). The stage is now set for three days of exhilarating martial arts action, as these young karatekas vie for glory and demonstrate their prowess.