Sikkim Karatekas to take part in Senior Nationals

GANGTOK, 17 Jan: Sikkim State Karate-Do Association [SSKA] players will be representing the state in the Senior National Karate Championship 2014 to be held at Talkotara Indoor Stadium, New Delhi from 24 to 26 January. The state team under the guidance of SSKA general secretary cum chief technical director, Bidhan Ballav Subba will be leaving this Sunday for the tournament.
An SSKA press release informs that 6 men and 5 women are all set to represent the state in the Kumite [fight]. The men’s team has Milan Rai [50 kgs], Buddha Bir Mangar [55 kgs], Sonam Lepcha [60 kgs], Bijoy Gurung [60 kgs], Bhim Bahadur Subba [74 kgs] and Nabin Rai [81 kgs], while the women’s team comprises of Mandira Karki [45 kgs], Dina Rai [50 kgs], Smita Rai [55 kgs], Geeta Karki [60 kgs] and Hem Kumari Rai [68 kgs]. It is informed that Bijoy Gurung and Smita Rai will also be taking part in Kata event in their respective weight categories.
Nine members of SSKA are facing referee and judges examinations, it is added. The state team has undergone a month-long camp under Mr Subba at Paljor Stadium to prepare for the tournament.
The selected Karatekas in the tournament will qualify for the upcoming 35th National Games scheduled to be held in Kerala this year, the release adds.