SHILLONG, July 22: Meghalaya’s medal-winning karatekas Daniel Dabiangbha Warjri and Gideon Tympuin received a warm welcome at Umroi Airport on Monday after returning from the 10th Cadet, Junior, U-21 and Senior South Asian Karate Championship 2026 held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Daniel won the gold medal in the Boys’ Junior Individual Kumite (-68kg) category, while Gideon claimed bronze in the Men’s U-21 Individual Kata event at the championship, held from July 15 to 19. Both athletes have now set their sights on winning medals at the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host next year.
The duo was felicitated by the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association (AMKA), family members, friends and supporters. East Shillong MLA and Adviser to the Meghalaya Government M Ampareen Lyngdoh, former MDC Fantin Lakadong and Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F. Kharshiing were among those who congratulated the athletes.
The latest achievement marks the third consecutive edition of the South Asian Karate Championship in which Meghalaya has won a medal. Kynjailin Lyngdoh Mawnai secured bronze in 2025, while Wandahunshisha Mawblei won gold in 2019.
AMKA General Secretary Ksan Kupar Warjri said the performances of Daniel and Gideon would inspire other karatekas ahead of the National Games. He noted that the South Asian Championship is among the region’s toughest competitions, featuring strong contenders from countries including Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Both athletes qualified for the Indian team through their performances at national championships earlier this year. Daniel won silver at the Junior National Karate Championship in Dehradun, while Gideon claimed gold at the Senior and U-21 National Karate Championship in New Delhi.
Thanking supporters for the warm reception, Daniel said the recognition had motivated him to aim for gold at the National Games in Shillong before targeting success at the World Championship. Gideon said competing against the region’s top karatekas was a valuable experience and expressed his determination to continue representing India and bringing laurels to Meghalaya.
