Bhutan wins 42 medals at 8th South Asian Karate Championship

Thinley Namgay

Aanisha Rai, a class 12 student of Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, was one of the top competitors of the Bhutanese team at the 8th South Asian Karate Championship, held recently in Thimphu.

She won two silver medals in the under-21 individual kata and senior team kata categories, and a bronze medal in the over-66 kg individual kumite category.

Aanisha Rai

The two-day tournament had four weight categories in cadet, junior, under-21 and senior divisions. About 244 karatekas from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka participated in the tournament.

Most karatekas in Bhutan were students.

In one of the best performances by the Bhutanese Karate Association in recent years, the Bhutanese team, consisting of 47 participants, won no fewer than 42 medals, 37 of which were bronze.

Nearly 90 percent of Bhutanese karatekas won a medal.

Looking back at her achievements, Aanish Rai attributed her success to consistent training, self-confidence and support from coaches, parents and the Bhutan Karate Association. “We didn’t have as extensive training as participants from other countries, but we made the best use of the limited daily training despite academic commitments,” she said.

Aanisha indicated that she is confident that she will do even better at the 2025 South Asian Karate Championship in Sri Lanka.

She stressed the importance of such tournaments for exposure and skill acquisition. “All my matches were against Sri Lankan opponents. Bhutanese karatekas have a lot of potential but need to work harder,” she added.

Bronze medalist Jamsel Yeshay Wangyel acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament, noting that winning gold was a challenge.

“I’m happy with my bronze medal, but I expected it to go much better,” he said. “There is a need to improve both the tactical and technical skills of Bhutanese karatekas.”

Participants indicated that more international competitions should be organised in the country to increase skills and visibility.

Other Bhutanese participants indicated that their home location worked to their advantage.

Nepal performed well, winning 62 medals – 31 gold, 20 silver and 11 bronze – with 68 karatekas participating in the tournament.

The Indian team, consisting of 73 athletes, won 60 medals, including 27 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze. Sri Lanka won five gold, 18 silver and 31 bronze medals, with 56 participants.

The South Asian Karate Championship was first organized by Bhutan. The Bhutan Karate Association organized the event.

The Asian Karate Federation plans to organize more seminars and competitions in Bhutan in the future to promote karate.

His Serene Highness Jigje Singye Wangchuck attended the closing ceremony of the championship.