SHILLONG: The 5th KIO North East Zones Karate Championship 2026, organized by the Karate India Organisation (KIO) and hosted by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association, brought together young karate athletes from seven northeastern states in Shillong.
The event, affiliated with the World Karate Federation and Asian Karate Federation, served as a platform for competitors from Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Tripura to showcase their skills and prepare for future national contests.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla congratulated the organizers and highlighted the significance of the championship as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
He encouraged athletes to use the championship to assess their readiness and improve their performance for upcoming national events.
Shylla expressed gratitude to KIO for conferring on him a first-degree black belt and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting karate and athlete development.
He cited the state’s Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy and the recent inauguration of a second Sports Science Centre in Shillong as examples of Meghalaya’s investment in sports infrastructure and athlete support.
The event saw attendance from KIO President Bharat Sharma, Treasurer Mutum Bankim Singh, and other officials, as well as representatives from state karate associations and the Meghalaya State Olympic Association.
The All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association also felicitated Northeast athletes who have excelled at national and international karate championships.
(4FrontMedia news)
