Shillong, July 27: Sunrays Secondary School emerged as the Overall Champions in the boys’ division, while Synod Higher Secondary School claimed the girls’ overall title at the 32nd State Level Inter-School Karate Tournament, which concluded at the Sports Authority of India Indoor Hall on the NEHU campus in Shillong.

The three-day championship, held from July 23 to 25, was organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with the support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Sunrays Secondary School topped the boys’ standings with an impressive haul of 18 medals, including eight gold, six silver and four bronze medals. Defending champions St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School finished runners-up with 22 medals comprising five gold, six silver and 11 bronze.

In the girls’ category, Synod Higher Secondary School secured the championship with 19 medals—three gold, six silver and 10 bronze—while Sacred Heart Girls’ Higher Secondary School finished second with three gold, two silver and three bronze.

This year’s edition witnessed a record participation of 802 karatekas from 126 schools across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills, surpassing all previous editions. The participants included 411 boys and 391 girls, ranging in age from six years onwards, highlighting the growing popularity of karate among young athletes in Meghalaya.

One of the tournament’s standout performers was Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri of St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, who returned to Shillong on July 21 after winning a gold medal for India at the 10th South Asian Karate Championship 2026. He continued his winning form by claiming gold in the Boys’ Junior Individual Kumite (+61 kg) category.

Daniel, along with Gideon Tympuin, who won a bronze medal in the Men’s U-21 Individual Kata event at the South Asian Championship, was felicitated by AMKA during the opening ceremony. Gideon also served as one of the tournament officials.

The championship also recognised the best individual performers in the junior and senior categories. The Best Karateka Awards were presented to:

• Junior Boys: Daaron R. Warjri (Christian Academy Higher Secondary School)
• Senior Boys: Pusaimi I. Kyndiah (Loompyrdi Iongpiah Upper Primary School, Jowai)
• Junior Girls: Emma T. Kharwansuk (Stonyland Secondary School)
• Senior Girls: Asenka Beryl Marwein (St Joseph’s Higher Secondary School)

The tournament was inaugurated by Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President John F. Kharshiing, with MSOA General Secretary Finely L. Pariat attending as guest of honour.

The closing ceremony was graced by East Khasi Hills Additional Superintendent of Police Ivan Benson Diengdoh as chief guest, while West Jaintia District Karate Association President Alan Niangti attended as the guest of honour.

The record-breaking participation and high standard of competition reflected the continued growth of karate in Meghalaya and the emergence of a promising generation of athletes poised to represent the state and the country at higher levels.