Shillong, Oct 23: The hosting of the 5th KIO North East Zones Karate Championship in Meghalaya is significant as the state gears up to host the 39th National Games in 2027, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Wailadmiki Shylla said on Thursday.
Shylla was addressing the championship organised by the Karate India Organisation, affiliated with the World Karate Federation and the Asian Karate Federation, and hosted by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association. The event brought together karatekas from seven northeastern states – Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura.
“Congratulations to the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association for its dedication and hard work in promoting the sport. I hope more championships and programmes will be organised to provide greater opportunities for young athletes,” Shylla said.
Thanking the KIO for giving Meghalaya the opportunity to host the championship, Shylla said, “This event is particularly significant as the state prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027. It will help young karatekas assess their preparedness, demonstrate their abilities and identify areas requiring further improvement.”
Shylla, who was conferred the honour of a first-degree black belt by the KIO, said he accepted it with humility and respect. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the association and creating more opportunities for aspiring karate athletes.
Highlighting the government’s growing investment in sports, Shylla credited Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s support for expansion of sports infrastructure and athlete development.
He said employment security is key to encouraging families to support their children’s sporting ambitions and highlighted the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy. “Under the policy, eligible athletes who win medals at recognised competitions, including the National Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, Olympics and Paralympics, can receive direct government appointments,” he said.
Shylla also informed about the inauguration of the state’s second Sports Science Centre in Shillong aimed at improving athletes’ recovery and providing scientific and technological support.
He encouraged athletes to make the most of the National Games at home, noting that competing on home ground would offer advantage of local support and familiarity.
KIO President Bharat Sharma, Treasurer Mutum Bankim Singh, Meghalaya State Olympic Association president John F Kharshiing, General Secretary F Pariat, state karate associations, technical officials and officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs were present.
The All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association also felicitated Northeast athletes who have brought laurels to the region in national and international karate championships.
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