8-year-old shines in sub-junior category, brings pride to Himachal Pradesh
Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Vedansh Pranhulia, an 8-year-old karate prodigy from Siddhpur village in Chamba district, has made Himachal Pradesh proud by winning a gold medal at the prestigious North India Zone Karate Championship held on November 7, 2025, at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
The championship was organized by Karate Bharat Sangathan, affiliated with the World Karate Federation of India (WKFI), Asian Karate Federation (AKFI), Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF), and South Asian Karate Federation (SAKF). Vedansh represented Himachal Pradesh in the sub-junior category, which saw participation from over 300 young athletes.
Vedansh credited his victory to the unwavering support of his parents—Shefali and Navleen Pranhulia—and his coaches Kanchan Thakur and Pawan Thakur. His win has not only brought honor to Chamba district but has also elevated Himachal Pradesh’s reputation on the national stage.
Upon returning to Chamba, Vedansh received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the local community. This is not his first triumph—he has previously won gold at the state level, consistently showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
