The 31st State Karate Championship began on October 23 at the JN Indoor Stadium in Polo, Shillong, with a record number of participants, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport across Meghalaya. This year’s three-day event has attracted 512 competitors from eight districts, up from 456 last year. Organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, the championship emphasises discipline, sportsmanship, and talent development.
AMKA President Hunlang Lytan said the rising participation highlights the expanding reach of karate in the state. The opening ceremony featured a minute’s silence in memory of AMKA founder Stephan Leong, who passed away on October 23, 2011. Leong is remembered as a pivotal figure in the growth of karate in Meghalaya and the North East.
Commissioner and Secretary Matsiewdor War Nongbri, IAS, served as the chief guest, while Meghalaya State Olympic Association Joint Secretary Pynbianglang Laloo was the guest of honour. War Nongbri, a former archer and experienced sports administrator, praised AMKA for sustaining the championship for over three decades. “Karate has put down deep roots in our state. Many associations have yet to host a single state-level event, but AMKA has done it successfully 31 times,” she said.