Bhatkal youngsters shine at State-Level Karate Championship

Bhatkal: 28, January 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  Two young martial artists from Bhatkal, Mohammed Zaid and Ismail Nameer, showcased their talent at the Akhila Karnataka Sports Karate Association State-Level Selection held at Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru, bringing pride to their hometown.  

Mohammed Zaid, a student of Anjuman Boys' High School, Bhatkal, and a trainee at Alliance Martial Arts Academy, secured first place in his category. With this victory, he has earned a place in the National Karate Championships in Hyderabad, where he will represent Karnataka. His achievement is significant for Uttara Kannada district, as there have been very few instances in the championship’s 16-year history where a participant from the region has represented the state at the national level.  

Ismail Nameer, a ninth-grade student at Huda Islamic School, Mangaluru, originally from Bhatkal, won two bronze medals in two different weight categories—14-15 years below 63 kg and under-21 years below 65 kg. Son of Nisar Ahmed Ruknuddin, Nameer has been residing in Mangaluru with his family for the past few years.  

Nameer has a history of strong performances in karate. In 2023, he secured first place in kata and kumite at the national-level competition organized by Guru Goju Ryu Karate Academy India. In 2019, he won third place at the 24th Asian/International WFSKO Open Karate Championship held in Mumbai. In 2020, he clinched first place in the Kata category and third place in the Kumite category at the 5th National-Level Open Karate Championship in Moodbidri.  

Both athletes have brought recognition to Bhatkal through their performances at the state level, with Zaid’s qualification for the nationals being a rare and commendable feat. Their success reflects the growing interest of young athletes from Bhatkal in martial arts.