Shillong, July 21: Meghalaya’s international karate medallists, Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri and Gideon Tympuin, received a warm reception at Umroi Airport on Tuesday after returning from the 10th Cadet, Junior, U-21 and Senior South Asian Karate Championship 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Daniel clinched the gold medal in the Boys’ Junior Individual Kumite (-68kg) category, while Gideon secured bronze in the Men’s U-21 Individual Kata event during the championship, held from July 15 to 19.
The duo was welcomed by officials of the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA), family members, friends and supporters. East Shillong MLA and Adviser to the Meghalaya Government, M Ampareen Lyngdoh, and former MDC Fantin Lakadong were also present at the airport to congratulate the athletes. Joining the reception was Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F. Kharshiing, who happened to return on the same flight from Kolkata.
Their achievements continue Meghalaya’s growing presence on the South Asian karate stage. This marks the third edition in which the state has produced medallists at the championship, following Wandahunshisha Mawblei’s gold medal in 2019 and Kynjailin Lyngdoh Mawnai’s bronze in 2025.
AMKA General Secretary Ksan Kupar Warjri described the occasion as a proud moment for the association and the state. “This is such a happy day for us. The success of these two will motivate our other karatekas, especially those preparing for the 39th National Games,” he said.
Warjri noted that the South Asian Championship features intense competition, with countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal consistently producing medal-winning athletes alongside India.
Both Meghalaya karatekas earned their places in the Indian squad through strong performances at the national level earlier this year. Gideon won gold for Meghalaya at the 5th KIO Senior & U-21 National Karate Championship in New Delhi, while Daniel claimed silver in the Junior Individual Kumite (-68kg) category at the 5th KIO Sub-Junior, Cadet & Junior National Karate Championship in Dehradun.
Expressing gratitude for the reception they received, Daniel said the recognition would inspire him to work even harder.
“The competition was very different from the national level. I had to put in more effort and use different techniques,” he said. “My immediate goal is to win gold at the National Games in Shillong and then compete successfully at the World Championship.”
Gideon, who competed in the technically demanding individual kata discipline, said the championship tested him against some of South Asia’s best karate practitioners.
“Top karatekas came from different countries, so it was very challenging. I want to continue representing India and bring more honour to both the country and Meghalaya,” he said.
AMKA’s international medal tally continues to grow, adding to the achievements of former South Asian Games medallists Banshanlang Kharumnuid, Damang Syngkon and Linza Fenny Syiem, all of whom trained under the late Stephan Leong.
