SHILLONG, OCT 18: Meghalaya is set to host the 5th Karate India Organisation (KIO) North East Zone Karate Championship from October 22 to 24 at the NEHU Convocation Hall in Shillong, marking the first mega-level karate event of its scale in the state in nearly 30 years.
The three-day championship is expected to bring together around 900 karatekas and officials from across the Northeast. Organised under the aegis of the Karate India Organisation, the event will be hosted by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA), with support from the state Department of Sports and Youth Affairs. Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla will formally inaugurate the championship.
AMKA president Hunlang Lytan expressed pride at being selected to host the regional event, which will also include seminars and examinations for referees and coaches.
He said the association was making comprehensive preparations to ensure a memorable experience for participating athletes, officials and guests.
Around 20 international-level karatekas are expected to compete in the Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior, Under-21 and Senior categories in both kata and kumite disciplines.
Meghalaya will field a contingent of 296 karatekas, comprising 152 male and 144 female athletes. Participants from six other northeastern states are also expected, with Mizoram being the only state not taking part.
Lytan expressed confidence that the home contingent would perform well, recalling that Meghalaya karatekas secured an impressive 62 medals at the previous edition held in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
The state contingent will be supported by coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and a physiotherapist. Mingson Rymbai and Arjun Sewa will serve as head coaches, while Wandashisha Warjri and Ronald L Nonglait will be assistant coaches.
Laiarisa Nongrum, Beautiful Mary Mylliem, Rose Mary Tympuin, Junita Rani and Aihunlang Makdoh will serve as team managers, while Sharailang Nongneng Shanpru will be the team physiotherapist.
The championship holds added significance as successful competitors will qualify for the KIO Inter-Zonal Karate Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on December 16 and 17.
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