Shillong, October 23: The 31st State Karate Championship 2025 began today at the JN Indoor Stadium here in Polo with a flurry of action from the bright young talents of the martial art form.
Karatekas from eight districts have gathered in Shillong for the championship, which is being organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with the support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
This year 512 karatekas have registered for the three-day event, AMKA President Hunlang Lytan said, an increase on the 456 who participated last year.
A minute’s silence was observed during the opening ceremony to remember AMKA founder Stephan Leong, whose death anniversary coincides with today’s event. He died on 23 October 2011 and his importance to the establishment and growth of karate in Meghalaya and the wider North East will never be forgotten.
The chief guest at the opening ceremony was Commissioner and Secretary Matsiewdor War Nongbri IAS and the guest of honour was Meghalaya State Olympic Association Joint Secretary Pynbianglang Laloo.
A celebrated former archer and able sports administrator, War Nongbri praised AMKA for having held this championship for three decades.
“Karate has put down deep roots in our state. Many associations have yet to hold a state championship but AMKA has been doing it successfully 31 times now,” she said.
Drawing on her own experience, War Nongbri also advised the gathered karatekas on the importance of time management, their education and also in allowing themselves space to relax.
The hundreds of participating karatekas, many of whom are just starting out in the sport while others have already won medals for the state at regional and national events, have been divided up based on age and weight. Both kumite (sparring) and kata (choreographed movement demonstration) events are being conducted.
