SHILLONG, Oct 23: Shillong-based cosplayer Donald Khumlo, known professionally as Zacky D, will represent India at the international Cosplay Fight Club: All-Star Team Battle in Singapore from December 11 to 13, 2026.
Khumlo has spent nearly a decade honing his skills in costume-making, character portrayal and stage performance. His participation in the upcoming event adds to the growing visibility of artists from the Northeast in the international cosplay community.
He has previously represented India at several global events, including the World Cosplay Summit 2023 in Japan, the Gamers8 Cosplay Cup 2023 in Saudi Arabia, and Pop Culture Hiroshima in Japan in 2020 and 2022.
Cosplay involves recreating fictional characters through costumes, make-up, props and performances. Competitions assess participants on costume accuracy and craftsmanship, as well as their interpretation of characters on stage.
The Singapore event will feature several rounds, including Spotlight Performance, Character Challenge and a five-member-versus-five-member team battle. Participants will be judged on costume craftsmanship, storytelling, choreography and stage presence.
The confirmed judging panel includes Hollywood actor and stunt performer Richard Cetrone, whose credits include Wonder Woman, Justice League and Captain America: Civil War. Japanese writer Nobuyuki Takahashi, widely credited with coining the term “cosplay” in the 1980s, will also serve on the panel.
Khumlo’s upcoming appearance will bring attention to Meghalaya’s cosplay scene and the creative opportunities emerging in the Northeast through costume design, performance and global popular culture.
