Nepal finishes runner-up in South Asian Karate Championship

KATHMANDU: Nepal secured the runner-up position in the 9th South Asian Karate Championship, winning a total of 50 medals — 21 gold, 9 silver, and 20 bronze — according to Nepal Karate Federation President Yubaraj Lama.

Among the standout performers, Erika Gurung, nicknamed “Himalayan Warrior” by the federation, won double gold in both individual and team kumite in the women’s above 68 kg category.

Pushpaka Lama (50 kg) and Sabina Shrestha (under 55 kg) also earned double golds in individual and team kumite events.

Pradeep Baijali Magar contributed significantly by winning gold medals in both the U-21 and senior individual kumite categories and a silver in team kumite.

Nepal had previously won the team championship in the seventh edition held in Nepal and the eighth edition held in Bhutan.

India claimed the team championship title at this year’s event in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with 23 gold, 24 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Sri Lanka came third with 16 gold, 20 silver, and 23 bronze, while Bangladesh placed fourth with three gold, seven silver, and 14 bronze medals.

Pakistan finished fifth with one silver and seven bronze medals, and Bhutan stood sixth with one silver and one bronze in the six-nation competition.