Shillong, July 23: Meghalaya’s karate movement reached a new milestone on Thursday as a record 802 karatekas from 126 schools participated in the 32nd State Level Inter School Karate Tournament 2026, which commenced in Shillong.
The three-day championship is being organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with the support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs. The tournament is being held at the Multipurpose Indoor Hall of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre on the NEHU Shillong campus.
The event has witnessed a significant increase in participation compared to last year, when 748 karatekas from 104 schools took part. St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School are the defending champions in the boys’ category, while Auxilium Girls’ Higher Secondary School hold the girls’ title.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President John F. Kharshiing as the chief guest and MSOA General Secretary Finely L. Pariat as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Kharshiing commended AMKA for its sustained efforts in promoting karate at the grassroots level, describing it as “one of the few state associations to have an inter-school programme.” Pariat also lauded the association, calling AMKA “one of the best sports associations in the state.”
With less than a year remaining before Meghalaya hosts the 39th National Games, the tournament provides a platform for young karatekas to showcase their talent. Senior participants are expected to be among the contenders for selection if karate is included in the National Games programme.
During the opening ceremony, AMKA also felicitated two Meghalaya karatekas for their outstanding performances at the South Asian Karate Championship held recently in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri was honoured for winning the gold medal in the Boys’ Junior (-68kg) Kumite event, while Gideon Tympuin was recognised for securing the bronze medal in the Men’s U-21 Individual Kata category.
The honours were presented by the chief guest and guest of honour. Pariat also announced cash awards on behalf of the MSOA in recognition of the athletes’ achievements on the international stage.
The opening ceremony concluded with Daniel leading the athletes’ oath, after which Kharshiing formally declared the 32nd State Level Inter School Karate Tournament 2026 open.
