CM Sukhu flags off Indian karate team for championship in Japan

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off a 20-member Indian contingent for the Shitokai Goju-Ryu Karate Championship being held in Osaka, Japan, from July 15 to 23.

The Chief Minister extended best wishes to the team and said that it was a proud moment all as the athletes were going to represent India on an international platform. He added, “Representing the nation is a matter of immense honour for any athlete and such moments are cherished for a lifetime.” He emphasised the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and said that various initiatives had been taken to encourage the youth to take up sports and stay disciplined in life, while also keeping them away from drug abuse.

Sukhu said that the prize money for the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games medalists had been increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore for a gold medal, from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore for a silver medal and from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore for a bronze medal. Similarly, for the Asian Games and the Para Asian Games, the prize for a gold medal had been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore, for a silver medal from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2.5 crore and for a bronze medal from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore.

Of the 20 members participating in the Shitokai Goju-Ryu Karate Championship, 11 are from Roots Country School, Baghi (Kotkhai, Shimla), while the remaining are from other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other states. The Indian team is participating in the championship after five years. Along with the players, the team’s head coach, Sensei Anil Kumar Jishta, and the assistant coach, Sensei Hari Tamang, are also travelling to Japan.

Himachal Tribune