Record Participation at Meghalaya Karate Meet as State Preps for National Games

Shillong: A record 802 karatekas from 126 schools arrived in Shillong on July 23 for the 32nd Meghalaya State-Level Inter-School Karate Tournament. The three-day event at the Sports Authority of India centre on the NEHU campus marks a sharp increase from last year’s 748 competitors. The All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association runs the show alongside the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Defending champions St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School and Auxilium Girls’ Higher Secondary School face stiff competition. Opening ceremonies featured Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F. Kharshiing and General Secretary Finely L. Pariat. Kharshiing praised the organizers, noting it is "one of the few state associations to have an inter-school programme."

Officials used the spotlight to honor international success. They recognized Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri for his gold medal in the Boys’ Junior -68kg Kumite and Gideon Tympuin for his bronze in the Men’s Under-21 Individual Kata at the South Asian Karate Championship in Dhaka. The MSOA awarded cash incentives to both athletes.

High stakes loom ahead. Meghalaya hosts the 39th National Games in 2027, and local talent eyes spots on the state squad. On July 24, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla met with association leaders and officials to review the Team Preparation Programme. He demanded faster recruitment and the hiring of qualified coaches to boost athlete performance. Shylla pushed for tighter coordination between the government and sports bodies to ensure the state is ready for the multi-sport event.