TNR
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday flagged off a 20 member Indian contingent from his official residence in Shimla for the Shitokai Goju Ryu Karate Championship being held in Osaka, Japan, from July 15 to 23, 2025.
Sukhu extended his heartfelt best wishes, describing this as a proud moment for the nation and highlighting the honour tied to representing one’s country.
“Representing the nation is a matter of immense honour for any athlete, and such moments are cherished for a lifetime,” the Chief Minister noted, expressing confidence in the athletes’ abilities and dedication.
Team composition and Support Staff:
The squad comprises 20 persons — 11 athletes from Roots Country School, Baghi, and the remaining members hailing from Himachal Pradesh and various parts of India. Accompanying them are head coach Anil Kumar Jishta and assistant coach Hari Tamang. Sunil Rohta, founder of Roots Country School, also attended the flag off ceremony.
During the event, CM Sukhu announced significant revisions to the state’s sports incentive policy. To encourage and reward athletic excellence, the state government has raised prize money for medal winners in major international events:
Olympic, Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games:
o Gold: From ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore
o Silver: ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore
o Bronze: ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore
• Asian Games & Para Asian Games:
o Gold: from ₹50 lakh to ₹4 crore
o Silver: ₹30 lakh to ₹2.5 crore
o Bronze: ₹20 lakh to ₹1.5 crore
These enhancements are part of the state’s broader effort to promote youth participation in sports and combat drug abuse.
Encouraging grassroots sports
CM Sukhu underscored the government’s commitment to using sports as a tool for instilling discipline among the youth, reducing drug dependency, and fostering healthy lifestyles. He emphasized that increasing financial rewards was just one aspect of a comprehensive strategy intended to cultivate athletic talent within the region.
This marks India’s re-entry into the Shitokai Goju Ryu Karate Championship after a five-year hiatus. The event reflects not only the athletes’ readiness to perform on an international stage but also the sustained growth of karate, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and at institutions like Roots Country School.
