Nepal Secures Title at International Open Karate Championship with 17 Gold Medals

Nepal has emerged victorious at the International Open Karate Championship held in Pune, Maharashtra, clinching the overall title with an impressive haul of 17 gold medals across various age groups and weight categories.

In addition to the gold medals, Nepali athletes also secured five silver and two bronze medals, showcasing exceptional skill and dominance throughout the competition. Among the standout performances, Rima Kumal triumphed in the 68-kg weight category, while Bipin Rana and Shahil Gurung claimed gold in the 50-kg and 55-kg categories, respectively.

Other gold medalists from Nepal include Buddhi Tamang, Neha Shresh, Rajina Darlami, Nikhil Kumal, Diwas Ale, Mohit Thapa, Amisha Pokharel, Diya Chhantyal, Samikshya Darlami, Aditya Gurung, Prabin Bhattarai, and Akriti Chhantyal. Earlier in the championship, Siddhartha Rana earned gold in the kata performance under the 10-year age group, along with six players in group kata performances.

The host nation, India, secured 16 gold medals, while Sri Lanka took six golds, rounding out the podium positions.

General-Secretary of the National Karate Federation of India, Raju Thapa, presented certificates and shields to the winners during the closing ceremony.

The championship, organized by the National Karate Federation of India, featured over 100 athletes from Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. The outstanding achievements of the Nepali team have not only secured them the title but also reaffirmed their prowess in the martial art on an international stage.