Itanagar : In a dominant display of skill and athleticism, India seized the championship crown at the 9th South Asian Karate Championship, held from July 2–5 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Indian Karate team secured 23 gold, 24 silver, and 12 bronze medals, amassing a total of 59—comfortably leading the regional competition.
Trailing remarkably behind were Nepal with 21 gold, 9 silver, and 20 bronze, and Sri Lanka, which claimed 16 gold, 20 silver, and 23 bronze medals.
Arunachal Fighter Mesom Singhi Takes Gold in Women’s Kata
Mesom Singhi, a rising karate star from Attangrang village in East Kameng district, delivered applause-worthy performances in the women’s Kata division. Under the coaching of national head Shihan Keerthan Kondru, she clinched the gold—further elevating India’s strong showing.
Singhi is a 3rd‑Dan black‑belt holder and a protégé of Hyderabad’s My Dojo Karate Academy, where she currently trains. Her journey has already included a bronze at the Moscow Karate Universe 2024. She spoke proudly of her roots and ambitions, expressing gratitude to her coach and family, while looking ahead to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Setting the Stage for the Asian Games
The championship’s success comes at a strategic moment on India’s sporting calendar. With the 2026 Asian Games fast approaching, performances like these not only boost national morale but also help identify strong medal prospects for the continental stage.
In Summary
Champion Nation: India – 23 G, 24 S, 12 B (59 medals)
Runners-up: Nepal (21G–9S–20B), Sri Lanka (16G–20S–23B)
Standout Athlete: Mesom Singhi (Women’s Kata gold, 3rd Dan BB)
India’s commanding lead reaffirms its rising dominance in South Asia’s martial arts scene, and athletes like Mesom Singhi emphasize the depth and diversity of its talent pipeline.
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