The karate players of Arunachal Pradesh displayed outstanding performance in the 63rd National School Games for Karate (U-17) and made the State proud by winning eight medals, including two gold.
Anand Cheri of Exalt Foundation School, Itanagar and Samen Romat of Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Chimpu performed brilliantly to bag the gold medals, each in below 75 kg and below 66 kg category.
Doni Neri (below70 kg), GSS, G-Sector, Naharlagun, Kyabo Liyang (below 50 kg), GHSS, Polo Colony, Naharlagun, and Paching Lily (below 68 kg), GHSS, Naharlagun won silver medals each.
The bronze medallists are Tadam Doyom (below 54 kg), Government Upper Primary School, Lingram, Daporijo, Yalam Maying, (below 60 kg), GSS, Rijo, Daporijo, and Yanam Jeke, (below 64 kg), GHSS, Daporijo.
The wins pushed the state to second place in the Karate National School Games ranking.
The team was led by Tagri Raju as chief-de-mission.
Arunachal Karate-do Association president Shihan Likha Tara, general secretary Bulang Marik and all the executive members congratulated the medal winning players for their brilliant performances.
Karate though in a slower pace, was introduced in Arunachal Pradesh but, very soon, became a practical and known game in the region. This game has also an impact in the state as it brought pride and honour with its active and continuous participation nationwide. The Arunachal Karate Association (AKA) joined the All India Federation (AIFK) in the year 1997 and very soon, the AIKF was also recognized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This was a great privilege and honor for all the National Karate Association.
Karate, now, a very well known sport has emerged to its fullest, standing as an example for all the youth of Arunachal Pradesh to practically and mentally enhance themselves in being a part of it. Karate had also become a medium through which one can achieve pride and honor putting in one’s own ability.