22 Karatekas of SAI Karate Academy Shine at Inter-State Shitokai Championship, Win 22 Medals

Vedika Thakur and Takshaditya Godara Emerge as Double Gold Medalists; Academy's Outstanding Performance Wins Praise from Sports Dignitaries

Report: Rajat Sharma

Gurugram: SAI Karate Academy, Sector-15 Part-2, Gurugram, delivered a spectacular performance at the Inter-State Shitokai Karate Championship, with all 22 participating karatekas winning medals in the prestigious competition. The academy's remarkable achievement highlighted the growing excellence of karate training in Haryana and reinforced its reputation as one of the leading centres for martial arts development.

The championship, held at the Community Centre, Sector-27, Gurugram, began on a patriotic note with the National Anthem and witnessed enthusiastic participation from karate players representing different states. The event was organised under the leadership of Founder Shihan Sunil Saini with the support of Mr. Surendra Saini, ensuring a professionally managed and highly competitive championship.

Representing SAI Karate Academy were 22 talented karatekas, including 10 girls and 12 boys, who competed in various age and weight categories. Displaying exceptional technical skills, confidence, discipline and fighting spirit, the young athletes excelled in both Kata and Kumite events, bringing laurels to the academy.

The championship was graced by several distinguished personalities from the fields of sports, education, law and public service. The chief guests included International Boxer, Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Akhil Kumar (HPS), Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Mrs. Sunil Dabas, Khelo India High Performance Director Shihan Sunil Rathi, India Team Coach Shihan Vicky Yadav, BJP Political Analyst Mr. Yugbir Singh, Dev Samaj Vidya Niketan Senior Secondary School Manager Shri Kandaswami Natarajan, Advocate Mr. Jitendra Saini, AKF Referee Shihan Harish Siradhan, Advocate and CM Eminent Person, Government of Haryana, Mr. Anshul Kumar Saini, and Patron of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Seva Sansthan and Managing Director of Suku Plastotech Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Surendra Saini.

Addressing the participants, the dignitaries praised the discipline, dedication and sporting spirit displayed by the young karate players. They congratulated SAI Karate Academy for consistently nurturing talented martial artists and producing medal-winning performers at competitive events. The guests also commended the relentless efforts of Founder Shihan Sunil Saini and Head Coach Bunty Sir, whose expert guidance and commitment have helped shape several promising karate champions.

The successful organisation of the championship was made possible with the valuable support of Mr. Dharmendra Fauji, Mr. Dharmendra, Mr. Sukesh Saini, Mr. Ashok Saini and Mr. Satija, whose contributions ensured the smooth conduct of the event.

The biggest highlight of the championship was the exceptional performance of Vedika Thakur and Takshaditya Godara, who emerged as the star performers by winning double gold medals in both Kata and Kumite categories. Their outstanding achievement earned widespread appreciation from the chief guests and spectators alike.

Medal Winners

Girls:
Vedika Thakur, Ditya Sharma, Darshita Sharma, Aarya Jain, Krisha Sharma, Tanvi Bharadwaj, Sakshi Gautam, Jiya Yadav, Priyanshi and Diksha Makkar.

Boys:
Takshaditya Godara, Manvick Pratap Singh, Rakshit Suhag, Nikhil, Ivaan Ray, Rohansh Chauhan, Yuvaan Singh Thakur, Maan Yadav, Advik Hooda, Viray Kuhar, Shadit Khoond and Manjit Babu Gautam.

The championship concluded with the National Anthem, symbolising unity, discipline and the true spirit of sportsmanship. The outstanding success of the SAI Karate Academy contingent once again demonstrated the academy's unwavering commitment to promoting martial arts and preparing young athletes to excel at national and international levels.

With this remarkable performance, SAI Karate Academy has further strengthened its position as a centre of excellence in karate, inspiring aspiring martial artists across Haryana to pursue the sport with dedication and determination.