Himachal Pradesh CM Sends Off Indian Team for Karate Championship in Japan
Flagging Off the Contingent
SHIMLA: On Saturday, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, officially sent off a 20-member Indian team from his residence in Shimla for the Shitokai Goju Ryu Karate Championship scheduled to take place in Osaka, Japan, from July 15 to 23, 2025. Sukhu expressed his warm wishes, calling this a moment of pride for the nation and emphasizing the significance of representing one's country.
He remarked, “For any athlete, representing the nation is an immense honor, and such experiences are treasured for a lifetime,” while expressing his confidence in the athletes' skills and commitment.
Team Composition and Support Staff
The team consists of 20 individuals, including 11 athletes from Roots Country School in Baghi, along with other members from Himachal Pradesh and various regions across India. They are accompanied by head coach Anil Kumar Jishta and assistant coach Hari Tamang. Sunil Rohta, the founder of Roots Country School, was also present at the flag-off ceremony.
During the event, CM Sukhu announced important updates to the state's sports incentive policy. To promote and reward athletic excellence, the state government has increased the prize money for medalists in major international competitions, including the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympic Games:
Increased Prize Money
• Olympic, Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games: - Gold: Increased from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore - Silver: Increased from ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore - Bronze: Increased from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore • Asian Games & Para Asian Games: - Gold: Increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹4 crore - Silver: Increased from ₹30 lakh to ₹2.5 crore - Bronze: Increased from ₹20 lakh to ₹1.5 crore These enhancements are part of a broader initiative by the state to encourage youth involvement in sports and combat drug abuse.
Promoting Grassroots Sports
CM Sukhu highlighted the government's dedication to leveraging sports as a means to instill discipline among the youth, mitigate drug dependency, and promote healthy living. He noted that the increase in financial rewards is just one facet of a comprehensive strategy aimed at nurturing athletic talent in the region.
This event marks India's return to the Shitokai Goju Ryu Karate Championship after a five-year absence, showcasing not only the athletes' readiness for international competition but also the ongoing development of karate, especially in Himachal Pradesh and at institutions like Roots Country School.