The West Bengal State Karate team delivered an exceptional performance at the 4th KIO National Karate Championship for Sub-Junior, Cadet, and Junior categories, held from 11th to 15th June 2025 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Facing fierce competition from the best young talents across India, the Bengal team emerged with a phenomenal haul of 26 medals—8 Gold, 10 Silver, and 8 Bronze—securing 5th position overall among all participating states and union territories. Their success was a testament to their discipline, determination, and rigorous preparation.
The championship, organized by the Karate India Organisation (KIO)—the only body recognized by the World Karate Federation (WKF) and affiliated to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)—saw the participation of hundreds of athletes from across the nation.
At the heart of this remarkable achievement lies the tireless dedication of Hanshi Premjit Sen, President of the Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB) and a distinguished figure in the Indian karate fraternity. A visionary leader and 8th Dan Black Belt, Hanshi Premjit Sen’s strategic leadership, mentorship, and consistent advocacy for athletes’ development have transformed Bengal into a formidable force in Indian karate.
Under his dynamic leadership, KAB not only provided top-tier coaching and infrastructure but also ensured comprehensive support to the athletes—a total sponsorship of Rs. 7,00,000/-, medical insurance of Rs. 2,00,000/- per athlete, and custom team T-shirts were offered to all participants and coaches. His commitment ensured that the Bengal players entered the championship with unmatched confidence and preparation.
Speaking on the team’s performance, Hanshi Premjit Sen said:
“This victory is not just about medals—it’s about mindset. It proves that with the right training, unwavering determination, and belief in oneself, Bengal’s youth can conquer any challenge on the national stage. I salute the spirit of our young warriors, and this is just the beginning. The future belongs to those who never stop fighting for excellence.”
A standout moment of the tournament was Bipasha Paul’s thrilling victory in the Kata event, where she clinched Gold by defeating AKF Bronze Medallist Alisha Setupati in the finals. This win was particularly special, as Bipasha had narrowly lost to the same opponent last year. Her victory marks a fitting comeback and solidifies her reputation as a two-time national medallist under the official WKF-KIO banner.
Also pivotal in this success was Hanshi Joydeb Mondal, General Secretary of KAB, who alongside Hanshi Premjit Sen, has worked relentlessly to create opportunities for Bengal’s karatekas on national and international platforms.
The Karate Do Association of Bengal extends its heartfelt congratulations to all medal winners, participants, and their families, as well as gratitude to the coaches, officials, and supporters who played a vital role in this grand achievement.
With the indomitable spirit of Bengal and the continued guidance of leaders like Hanshi Premjit Sen, the future of karate in the state looks brighter than ever.
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