July 25, 2024
THIMPHU – Aanisha Rai, a Class XII student of Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School, emerged as a top performer for Bhutan team at the eighth South Asian Karate Championship, recently held in Thimphu.
She won two silver medals in the under-21 individual kata and senior team kata categories, and a bronze in the above 66kg individual kumite category.
The two-day tournament featured four weight categories in cadet, junior, under-21, and senior divisions. Some 244 karatekas from Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka participated in the tournament.
Most of the Bhutanese karatekas were students.
In one of the best performances for the Bhutanese karate fraternity in recent years, Bhutan’s team, consisting of 47 participants, won an impressive 42 medals, including 37 bronze.
Almost 90 percent of the Bhutanese karatekas won medals.
Reflecting on her achievements, Aanish Rai attributed her success to consistent training, confidence, and support from coaches, parents, and the Bhutan Karate Association. “We did not have as comprehensive training as participants from other countries, but we made the best use of limited daily training despite academic commitments,” she said.
Aanisha expressed confidence in performing even better at the 2025 South Asian Karate Championship in Sri Lanka.
She highlighted the importance of such tournaments for exposure and skill acquisition. “All my matches were against Sri Lankan opponents. Bhutanese karatekas have great potential but need to work harder,” she added.
Bronze medalist Jamsel Yeshay Wangyel acknowledged the tournament’s competitive nature, noting that winning gold was challenging.
“I am happy with my bronze medal but I expected to do much better,” he said. “There is a need for Bhutanese karatekas to improve both tactical and technical skills.”
Participants said that more international competitions need to be organised in the country to enhance skills and exposure.
Other Bhutanese participants said that the home venue 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, comprising 73 athletes, won 60 medals, including 27 gold, 20 silver, and 13 bronze. Sri Lanka secured five gold, 18 silver, and 31 bronze medals, with 56 participants.
The South Asian Karate Championship was hosted by Bhutan for the first time. The Bhutan Karate Association organised the event.
The Asian Karate Federation plans to conduct more seminars and competitions in Bhutan to promote karate in the future.
His Serene Highness Jigje Singye Wangchuck graced the closing ceremony of the championship.