Himachal CM flags off Indian team for Karate Championship in Japan

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday flagged off a 20-member Indian contingent for the Shitokai Goju-Ryu Karate Championship from his official residence in Shimla.

The championship is scheduled to be held in Osaka, Japan, from July 15 to 23, 2025.

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The event marks India’s return to this prestigious international tournament after a gap of five years.

While addressing the team, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes and expressed pride in the athletes who are set to represent the country on a global platform. He said that representing India was a matter of immense honour for any athlete and that such achievements remain etched in memory for a lifetime.

He commended the dedication, perseverance, and discipline of the players and wished them success in the tournament.

Reaffirming the commitment of the Himachal Pradesh government to the promotion of sports, the Chief Minister said several new initiatives have been taken to inspire young people to pursue sports, adopt discipline in life, and stay away from drugs and other harmful distractions. He emphasised that sports not only help in building a strong character but also contribute to the holistic development of youth.

In a major step towards motivating athletes, the state government has recently increased the prize money for medal winners at international competitions.

For Olympic, Winter Olympic, and Paralympic Games medallists, the prize for gold has been raised from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore, silver from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore, and bronze from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.

Similarly, the prize for gold medallists at the Asian Games and Para Asian Games has been enhanced from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore.

Silver medallists will now receive Rs 2.5 crore, up from Rs 30 lakh, while bronze winners will get Rs 1.5 crore, up from Rs 20 lakh earlier.

Of the 20-member team travelling to Osaka, 11 players belong to Roots Country School in Baghi, a well-known institution in Himachal Pradesh recognised for its focus on sports.

The rest of the athletes are drawn from other regions of Himachal and various parts of the country, reflecting a broad national representation.
The Indian contingent will be accompanied by the team’s head coach, Sensei Anil Kumar Jishta, and assistant coach, Sensei Hari Tamang.

Their experience and mentorship are expected to play a crucial role in guiding the players during the championship.

Roots Country School founder Sunil Rohta was also present during the flag-off ceremony and expressed his gratitude for the support extended by the state government towards sports and young athletes.

The Chief Minister concluded by saying that the performance of these athletes on an international platform would not only make the state proud but also inspire the next generation of sportspersons across Himachal Pradesh and the country.