SHILLONG : Some of Meghalaya’s youngest karatekas showcased their developing skills on the second day of the 32nd State Level Inter School Karate Tournament 2026, held at the Multipurpose Indoor Hall of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU Shillong campus on Saturday.
The three-day tournament is being organised by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA) with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Nearly 400 karatekas between the ages of 6 and 10 from different parts of Meghalaya participated in the day’s competitions, taking part in both kumite (sparring) and kata (demonstration) events.
The young participants were cheered on by their friends and family members who gathered in the gallery to support them.
The number of competitors taking part on the second day represents around half of the tournament’s record total of 802 young karatekas who have registered for the championship.
The tournament highlights AMKA’s continued focus on nurturing young talent and encouraging children to take up karate from an early age.
Many of Meghalaya’s leading senior karatekas began their sporting journeys at the junior level, making the association’s emphasis on youth development a strong example of the philosophy of “Catch them young.”
The three-day championship provides a platform for young athletes from across the state to gain competitive experience, develop their skills and potentially emerge as the next generation of Meghalaya’s top karatekas.