By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 27: East Khasi Hills retained their title of Overall Champions in the men’s and women’s divisions of the 31st State Karate Championship 2025, which concluded here on Saturday.
The three-day event, held at the JN Indoor Stadium, Polo, was organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs. Karatekas numbering 512 from eight districts participated this year, which is an increase on 2024’s figure of 456. The martial artists ranged in age from 6 up to the senior level and impressed with their skills in kumite (sparring) and kata (choreographed movement demonstration) events.West Khasi Hills were the runners-up in the men’s category and Ri-Bhoi the runners-up in the women’s.Cabinet minister Shri Sanbor Shullai MLA was the chief guest at the closing ceremony and officially brought the championship to an end. In a short speech, he admired the youngsters for their dedication to their chosen sport and thanked the parents for supporting them in their endeavours. A keen athlete himself, Shullai recounted how he had also practised karate in his youth at a time when there were very few instructors in Meghalaya, apart from the late great Stephan Leong.
