Shillong, Oct 23: More than 900 karatekas and officials from across the Northeast gathered at the NEHU Convocation Hall on Friday for the opening of the 5th KIO North East Zone Karate Championship 2026. The championship marks a significant moment for Meghalaya, which is hosting a mega karate event like this after a gap of nearly 30 years.
The two-day event is hosted by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA), with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, and organised under the aegis of the Karate India Organisation (KIO).
Athletes from seven northeastern states are competing in the tournament, which concludes on Saturday. The host state has fielded a contingent of 292 male and female karatekas.
Meghalaya began its campaign on a positive note, winning several medals in the kata events held during the morning session. The kumite events, which involve sparring between competitors, followed later in the day.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest and was conferred an honorary black belt by KIO president Bharat Sharma.
Addressing the gathering, Shylla acknowledged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s support for investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development in the state, with over Rs 800 crore earmarked for the Sports and Youth Affairs department this year. He also commended AMKA for its sustained efforts in promoting karate and organising the championship.
“In the time that I have been Sports Minister, I have seen that AMKA is one of the most hard working associations in Meghalaya,” Shylla said, expressing hope that more such events would be organised to provide local karatekas with opportunities to showcase their abilities and compete at higher levels.
The minister thanked Sharma for the honorary black belt, describing the gesture as unexpected, and pledged his continued support for the state’s karate association and its athletes.
Earlier, AMKA president Hunlang Lytan welcomed the dignitaries and participants, expressing gratitude to the state government for its support towards sports development. He highlighted initiatives such as improved infrastructure, scholarships for athletes and financial rewards for sportspersons who win medals.
The opening ceremony included the felicitation of karatekas from the Northeast who have represented India at recent international competitions. Among them were Meghalaya’s Gideon Tympuin and Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri, who won medals at the South Asian Karate Championship 2026. They were felicitated by Shylla and Sharma.
Beyond the regional honours at stake, the championship provides an opportunity for participants to qualify for the KIO Inter-Zonal Karate Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on December 16-17.
Other dignitaries present at the inaugural ceremony included Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) working president John F Kharshiing, MSOA general secretary Finely L Pariat, KIO treasurer Mutum Bankim Singh and KIO Referees Commission chairman Premjit Sen.
