Kolkata’s Bipaasha Paul Strikes Double Gold at National Karate Championships

At just 14 years old, Bipaasha Paul has etched her name in India’s karate history with a stunning double gold at the 4th Karate India Organisation (KIO) National Championships held in Dehradun. A student of The Heritage School in Kolkata, Bipaasha triumphed in both the Cadet Female Individual Kata and the Junior Female Team Kata categories, making her the top-ranked athlete in the country in her division.

The journey to this moment wasn’t easy. Bipaasha had previously lost twice to one of her strongest opponents, but that only strengthened her resolve. “I kept visualising my performance, refining each movement. I didn’t want to settle for silver again,” she said after the event. That focus paid off when she delivered a flawless kata to clinch the gold and avenge her past losses.

Equally impressive was her performance in the team kata event. Alongside teammates Diya Roy and Chitralekha Kar, both from Bengal, she showcased perfect synchronisation and technical excellence. The trio’s execution brought them national glory and helped Bengal secure an impressive fourth place among 23 competing states.

Bipaasha’s rise has been nurtured under the guidance of Hanshi Premjit Sen at his Salt Lake-based dojo. Known for his emphasis on discipline and mental strength, Sen has played a crucial role in moulding her into a national champion. “Bipaasha listens, absorbs and applies. Her work ethic is rare for her age,” said the seasoned coach.

With nearly 150 medals already to her name—including international podiums in South Africa and Malaysia—Bipaasha is no stranger to the big stage. But these latest wins mark a turning point. As the new national No. 1, she will now represent India at the upcoming South Asian Championship in Sri Lanka this July, followed by the Asian Championships in September and the World Championships in October.

Despite the whirlwind of success, Bipaasha remains grounded. “It feels unreal, but I know this is just the beginning. There’s a long way to go.” Her home, already crowded with trophies, might soon need a new shelf—because Bipaasha Paul is just getting started.

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