By Our Reporter
Shillong, Feb 24: Seventeen karatekas from Meghalaya will represent the state at the upcoming 5th KIO Senior & U-21 National Karate Championship 2026, scheduled to be held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from February 26 to March 1.
The contingent has been selected by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA), which is recognised by the Government of Meghalaya’s Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, the State Sports Council of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Olympic Association.
The association is affiliated to the Karate India Organisation and functions under bodies recognised by the World Karate Federation.
The team will be led by Donboklang Lyngdoh and Pynhunlang Kharbuli as it heads to the national championship, which is expected to draw top talent from across the country in both senior and under-21 categories.
Among the prominent names in the squad is Gideon Tympuin, who will compete in Male Kata, Male Kumite (-60 kg) and Men’s Team Kumite. Paul Danny Kharmudai will also feature in multiple events, including Male Kata, Male Kumite (-60 kg) and Men’s Team Kumite. In the heavier division, Bhawanchwadame L Mawphlang will contest in the +84 kg category along with the team event.
The women’s squad features Rebeka Nongspung, who will participate in Female Kata, Female Kumite (-50 kg) and Women’s Team Kumite. Carene Sohiong (-55 kg) and Carenia Rapthap (-61 kg) will also shoulder responsibility in both individual and team kumite events. Lamerphylla Damesha Kharsati will compete in Female Kata and Women’s Team Kata, alongside Ester Mary Lyngdoh and Elisheba Khongwar in the team kata category.
Other selected athletes include Shanderson Nongrem (-55 kg), Josanky Rympei (-55 kg), Gary Daniel L Mawlong (-67 kg), Ialamphang Kharkongor (-75 kg), Larisha Kurbah (-55 kg), Barisha Kharbani (-61 kg) and Damebanmerbha S Blah in the Men’s Team Kumite event.
The championship, organised under the aegis of the Karate India Organisation, will serve as a major platform for emerging and established karatekas to test themselves at the national level.
In a statement, AMKA expressed confidence in the squad and extended its best wishes to all selected athletes as they prepare to compete against some of the finest exponents of the sport in the country.
The state body has also sought the support of the sporting community in encouraging the team as they aim to bring laurels to Meghalaya from the national stage.
