Itanagar, Jul 16: Fourteen karatekas from the Arunachal Pradesh Amateur Karate-Do Association (APAKA) have been selected to represent India in the 10th South Asian Karate Championship 2026, which is being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 15 to 18.
The selected athletes joind the Karate India Organization (KIO) – Team India in Kolkata before departing for Dhaka to compete in the prestigious regional championship.
The selected players are: Abab Sangdo, Khyoda Talik and Tai Bengde (Senior Male Team Kata); David Chetri (Junior Individual Kata); Nabam Yani (Senior Female Individual Kumite -61 kg); Phassang Chami (Under-12 Girls Individual Kata); Himangsu Borah (Under-13 Boys Individual Kata and Individual Kumite -45 kg); Kayu Kanu Bagang (Cadet Boys Individual Kumite -61 kg); Tom Mara (Junior Boys Individual Kumite -50 kg); Yamter Taso (Junior Girls Individual Kumite -42 kg); John Dodum (Cadet Boys Individual Kumite +70 kg); Tasing Nilling Liyu (Under-10 Boys Individual Kumite -35 kg); Nangram Tachung (Senior Men's Individual Kumite -50 kg); and Johny Mangkya (Senior Female Individual Kumite +67 kg).
Congratulating the selected athletes, APAKA president Kyoshi Yarda Niki and general secretary Sensei John Bagang wished them success and expressed confidence that the contingent would compete with dedication, uphold the country's pride, and bring laurels to Arunachal Pradesh and India by winning medals at the international event.