Shillong, October 23: The 5th KIO North East Zones Karate Championship 2026 brought together athletes from seven northeastern states in Shillong, providing a platform for young karatekas to showcase their skills and assess their preparedness for future national-level competitions. The championship, organised by the Karate India Organisation (KIO), affiliated with the World Karate Federation and Asian Karate Federation, was hosted by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association. Athletes from Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wiladmiki Shylla congratulated the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association for its efforts in promoting karate in the state and expressed hope that more such championships would be organised to provide greater opportunities for young athletes. Thanking the KIO for allowing Meghalaya to host the championship, Shylla said the event was particularly significant as the state prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027. He expressed hope that the competition would help young karatekas assess their performance, identify areas for improvement and strengthen their preparations for upcoming national competitions. Shylla also thanked the KIO for honouring him with a first-degree black belt, which he accepted with humility and respect, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting karate and developing sporting talent.
Highlighting the government’s investments in sports, the minister credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for supporting the expansion of sports infrastructure and athlete development programmes across Meghalaya. He also stressed the importance of providing employment opportunities to sportspersons, saying that job security would encourage more families to support their children’s sporting aspirations. Referring to the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy, Shylla said eligible medal-winning athletes participating in recognised competitions, including the National Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, Olympics and Paralympics, could receive direct government appointments under the applicable provisions of the policy.
The minister further highlighted the inauguration of Meghalaya’s second Sports Science Centre in Shillong, which aims to provide scientific and technological assistance to athletes, improve recovery and enhance sporting performance. Encouraging the participants to prepare for the 2027 National Games, Shylla said athletes from Meghalaya would have the advantage of competing on home ground with the support of local spectators.
The championship was attended by KIO President Bharat Sharma, Treasurer Mutum Bankim Singh and other officials, along with representatives of participating state karate associations and technical officials. Meghalaya State Olympic Association President John F. Kharshiing and General Secretary F. Pariat were also present, besides officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs and representatives of various state sporting bodies.
During the programme, the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association also felicitated karate athletes from the Northeast who had brought recognition to the region through their achievements in national and international championships. The three-day championship is being held from October 22 to 24 at the NEHU Convocation Hall in Shillong, with around 900 athletes and officials expected to participate.
