Colombo: Nepal finished as the runner-up in the 9th South Asian Karate Championship held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Nepal secured the second position among six participating nations, achieving a total of 21 gold, nine silver, and 20 bronze medals.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Nepal Karate Federation President Yubaraj Lama highlighted the significant achievements of the team, particularly emphasizing the performance of Erika Gurung. Dubbed the Himalayan Warriors by the Karate Federation, Gurung clinched two gold medals in the above 68 kg category, both in individual and team kumite events. Notably, Pushpaka Lama and Sabina Shrestha also contributed to Nepal’s medal tally with golds in the 50 kg and under 55 kg categories, respectively.
Pradeep Baijali Magar stood out by securing one gold each in the U-21 and senior individual kumite categories, along with a silver in team kumite. Despite not retaining their championship title from the previous editions held in Nepal and Bhutan, the team showcased commendable performances.
In this 9th edition of the championship, India emerged as the team champion, winning 23 gold, 24 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Sri Lanka followed in third place with 16 gold, 20 silver, and 23 bronze medals, while Bangladesh secured fourth place with three gold, seven silver, and 14 bronze medals. Pakistan and Bhutan rounded out the standings in fifth and sixth positions, respectively.