Karate athletes from Meghalaya have returned home with an impressive medal haul from the 19th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship in New Delhi. The team secured a total of 41 medals, including 10 gold, 16 silver, and 15 bronze, in both the kumite (sparring) and kata (choreographed movement) events.
Among the standout performers were Audrella Carisa Marbaniang and Nathaniel Levin Suting, who were among the ten athletes to win a gold medal for the state. Suting also secured a silver medal, bringing his personal tally to two. Other gold medalists included Aventinus George Mylliem, Eric Banteinam Ryngnga, Esaranaki Kharjana, Fadrik Wanniang, Ferrando Wanniang, Garret Ivan Lyngdoh, Lapyntngen Mary Lamin, and Samuel Kurbah.
A total of 35 karatekas from Meghalaya won medals, with six of them winning two each. The double medal winners were: Dominica Phidahun Kharbani (one silver, one bronze), Esaranaki Kharjana (one gold, one silver), Ferrando Wanniang (one gold, one bronze), Mebapynhun Marngar (one silver, one bronze), Nathaniel Levin Suting (one gold, one silver), and Xenia Rose Nongsiej (two silver).
The team’s successful outing at the championship highlights the growing talent and potential of martial arts in the state. The All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association's efforts in nurturing these athletes have clearly paid off, bringing pride to the region on a national stage.
