ITANAGAR, Oct 12: Hosts Arunachal Pradesh, with a haul of 177 medals, emerged as overall champion of the 4th Karate India Organization (KIO) North East Zone Karate Championship, which concluded at the IG Park here today, with the next two places going to Assam (1st runners-up) and Meghalaya (2nd runners-up).
The two-day gala tourney witnessed around 720 participants from seven states of the NE region, including Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, fighting it out for top honours spreading across five categories and 112 events.
Arunachal Pradesh Amateur Karate-Do Association (APAKA) senior vice president and Organizing Committee chairman, Doyak Singhi stated that Arunachal Pradesh secured overall championship by leading the medal tally, and in the process, won 56 gold, 38 silver and 83 bronze. Assam remained 1st runners-up with 41 gold, 49 silver and 68 bronze, while Meghalaya got the 2nd runners-up spot with 12 gold, 12 silver and 40 bronze.
The two-day event concluded successfully with no any hitches, he said while lauding the denizens of Itanagar capital complex. The organizing chairman said that with Saturday and Sunday being holidays the hall was full of local people who thronged the venue to witness the combat sport.
“I thank each and every citizen of Itanagar capital complex who have turned up to encourage the participating teams. I also thank the parents who have come over to Itanagar with their wards and supported their children during the tournament,” Singhi said.
During the course of the event, a referee seminar was also conducted by Hanshi Premjit Sen, Chairman Referee Commission, KIO, further contributing to the professional development of officials during the championship.
The championship, showcasing competitive spirit and camaraderie among the North East Zone karatekas, was efficiently coordinated by the Arunachal Pradesh Amateur Karate-Do Association under the leadership of APAKA president Yarda Niki, general secretary John Bagang, Organizing chairman Singhi and secretary Dr Marli Ete.
Earlier, the championship was declared open on Saturday morning by State BJP president Kaling Moyong.
The championship was attended by key KIO officials, including general secretary Kyoshi Sanjeev Kumar Jangra and treasurer Kyoshi Mutum Bankim Singh.
The next edition of KIO North East Zone Karate Championships is scheduled to be held next year in Meghalaya.