Shillong, Oct 23:The 5th KIO North East Zones Karate Championship 2026, organised by the Karate India Organisation (KIO), affiliated with the World Karate Federation and the Asian Karate Federation, and hosted by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association, brought together karate athletes from seven northeastern states.
The championship witnessed participation from Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura, providing a platform for young karatekas to showcase their skills and prepare for future national-level competitions.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Wiladmiki Shylla congratulated the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association for its dedication and hard work in promoting the sport in the state. He expressed hope that more championships and programmes would be organised to provide greater opportunities for young athletes to excel in karate.
Thanking the KIO for giving Meghalaya the opportunity 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 championship would help young karatekas assess their preparedness, demonstrate their abilities and identify areas requiring further improvement ahead of the national sporting event.
Shylla also expressed gratitude to the KIO for conferring upon him the honour of a first-degree black belt, which he accepted with humility and respect. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the association and creating more opportunities for aspiring karate athletes.
Highlighting the Meghalaya Government’s growing investment in sports, Shylla credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s support for the expansion of sports infrastructure and athlete development initiatives.
Emphasising the importance of employment security in encouraging families to support their children’s sporting ambitions; Shylla highlighted the Meghalaya Outstanding Sportspersons Direct Appointment Policy. Under the policy, eligible athletes who win medals at recognised competitions, including the National Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, Olympics and Paralympics, can receive direct government appointments, subject to the applicable provisions.
He further highlighted the inauguration of the state’s second Sports Science Centre in Shillong, aimed at improving athletes’ recovery and providing scientific and technological support to enhance sports performance.
Shylla encouraged the participating athletes to make the most of the upcoming National Games in Meghalaya, noting that competing on home ground would offer them the advantage of local support and familiarity.
Karate India Organisation President Bharat Sharma, KIO Treasurer Mutum Bankim Singh and other KIO officials attended the event, along with representatives of state karate associations, technical officials and members of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, including its president John F. Kharshiing and General Secretary F. Pariat. Officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, and presidents and secretaries of participating state associations were also present.
The All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association also felicitated athletes from the Northeast who had brought laurels to the region through their achievements in national and international karate championships.
