Mapusa: The 24th Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association (FSKA) World Karate Championship, held at the Peddem Indoor Sports Complex, Mapusa.
The event brought together over 3,000 participants from 16 countries, including powerhouses like the USA, Russia, and Japan. Amidst the fierce competition, Goa’s World Shotokan Karate-Do Academy (WSKA) emerged as a standout contingent, contributing to India’s medal tally with an impressive 22 medals—seven gold, four silver, and eleven bronze.
The Goan karatekas demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and determination, representing their state and country with pride. The WSKA team, comprising 17 talented students under the tutelage of Hanshi Sunil K. Dhargalkar (9th Degree Black Belt, JSKI, WMMA), showcased their prowess in various kata and kumite categories.
During the championship, key figures from WSKA, including Archita Naik, Avni Bhivshet, Malaika Rebelo, Derick Rebelo, and Rahul Matonkar, were felicitated by the tournament president, Hanshi Hassan Mohammed Ismail, for their invaluable contributions as referees and judges.
The championship was preceded by a Karate Training Camp conducted by Grand Master Hanshi Kevin Funakoshi from Japan and a Referee and Judge Seminar led by Hanshi Jose Chagas, a WKF referee from Portugal.
The Goan contingent’s medal haul of 22 medals was a testament to their hard work and preparation.
