Shillong, July 27: Sunrays Secondary School and Synod Higher Secondary School emerged as the overall champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at the 32nd Inter-School Karate Tournament, which concluded after three days of competition in Shillong.
Sunrays SS secured the boys’ title with an impressive haul of 18 medals, comprising eight gold, six silver and four bronze. In the girls’ division, Synod HSS topped the standings with 19 medals, including three gold, six silver and 10 bronze.
Last year’s boys’ champions, St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, finished runners-up after collecting 22 medals (five gold, six silver and 11 bronze), while Sacred Heart Girls’ Higher Secondary School claimed second place in the girls’ category with three gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, the tournament was held from July 23 to 25 at the Multipurpose Indoor Hall of the Sports Authority of India centre on the NEHU campus in Shillong.
This year’s edition attracted a record 802 karatekas from 126 schools across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills, making it the largest participation in the tournament’s history. Competitors ranged from six years of age upwards, with 411 boys and 391 girls taking part, underlining the growing popularity of karate among young athletes in Meghalaya.
Among the standout performers was Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri, who recently won a gold medal for India at the 10th South Asian Karate Championship 2026. Having returned to Shillong just days before the tournament, he added another gold to his tally by winning the boys’ junior individual kumite (+61kg) title for St Anthony’s HSS.
Daniel, along with Gideon Tympuin – who claimed bronze in the men’s Under-21 kata event at the South Asian Championship, was felicitated by AMKA during the tournament’s opening ceremony. Gideon also served as one of the tournament officials.
The organisers also recognised the tournament’s outstanding individual performers. Daaron R. Warjri of Christian Academy HSS was named Best Junior Boy Karateka, while Pusaimi I. Kyndiah of Loompyrdi Iongpiah Upper Primary School, Jowai, received the Best Senior Boy award. Emma T. Kharwansuk of Stonyland Secondary School was adjudged Best Junior Girl Karateka, and Asenka Beryl Marwein of St Joseph’s HSS was named Best Senior Girl Karateka.
The championship was inaugurated by Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President John F. Kharshiing, with MSOA General Secretary Finely L. Pariat attending as guest of honour. The closing ceremony was graced by East Khasi Hills Additional Superintendent of Police Ivan Benson Diengdoh as chief guest, while Alan Niangti, President of the West Jaintia District Karate Association, attended as guest of honour.
