Shillong, July 24, 2025: The 31st edition of the State-Level Inter-School Karate Tournament kicked off today at the Multipurpose Indoor Hall, SAI Centre, NEHU campus, with a record-breaking number of participants — the highest in the event’s history.

This year, an unprecedented 742 karatekas—comprising 350 females and 392 males—from 104 schools across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills are competing in the three-day championship. This marks a significant jump from last year’s participation of 609, reflecting the growing interest and dedication to karate across Meghalaya’s schools and training academies.

Organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, the tournament was inaugurated in a grand opening ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range), Davis NR Marak, IPS, graced the event as the chief guest and formally declared the tournament open. Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President, John F Kharshiing, was the guest of honour.

Delivering his address, DIG Marak, a sports enthusiast himself, lauded AMKA for its dedication and organisation.

“Bringing together 104 schools is no small feat. This scale of participation is a testament to the relentless commitment of AMKA, coaches, and the support of parents,” he said, also acknowledging the broader role sports play in youth development.

Karateka Esaranaki Kharjana, a recent silver medallist at the National Cadet Tournament in Dehradun, led the oath-taking on behalf of all participating athletes.

In his speech, John F Kharshiing highlighted the significance of the upcoming National Games 2027, which Meghalaya is set to host.

“We are expecting big performances from our karatekas, not just at the National Games but at national and international levels,” he said, also promoting the benefits of the state’s sports scholarships and financial incentives for medallists.

In a proud moment for the state, AMKA honoured several outstanding karatekas and coaches for their achievements in recent competitions.

Among those felicitated was Kynjailin Lyngdoh Mawnai, who brought laurels to India by securing a bronze medal at the 9th South Asian Karate Championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Other recognised athletes included:

Ferdinand Samkupar Rani

Gideon Tympuin

Gregorwilson Makdoh

Larisha Kurbah

Esaranaki Kharjana

Daphishisha Shadap

Royal Jayden Laloo

Coaches Donboklang Lyngdoh, Sunil Rathee, Rodrick Syiem, Edwilbert Kyntiewbor Nongkynrih, and Ester Mary Lyngdoh were also felicitated for their invaluable contribution to the sport.

Before the start of the competitive kumite bouts, the audience was treated to two impressive demonstrations — one showcasing karate as a self-defence art, and another in the form of a synchronized team kata performance, highlighting the discipline, grace, and power of the sport.

As the tournament progresses over the next two days, all eyes will be on the young karatekas, many of whom are already making waves at national and international levels.