Mangaluru: Bringing pride to the coastal city, young karateka Vedhika S Das secured a silver and a bronze medal at an international-level karate competition held in Malaysia, which witnessed participation from contestants representing 12 countries.
Competing in the 10–12 years colour belt girls’ category (above 50 kg), Vedhika delivered an impressive performance by clinching silver in the kumite division and bronze in the kata division. Her achievement highlights her rapid progress in the sport within a short span of training.
Achievement at international platform
Vedhika earned her medals at the 4th International Shotokan Hayadese Karate Championship held on April 11 in Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together young martial artists from across the globe, making her accomplishment particularly noteworthy.
Despite having started her karate training only in 2024, Vedhika has quickly risen through the ranks. Within a year, she has already attained a yellow belt, reflecting her dedication and consistent practice.
She represented the Western Institute of Martial Arts Academy, where she trained under the guidance of experienced coaches, including Kyoshi Surendra B, Kyoshi Victor D’Souza, and Sensei Aneesh B.
Felicitated for her success
Her achievement has drawn appreciation from several quarters. U. T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, felicitated Vedhika in Mangaluru, recognising her accomplishment on the international stage.
The recognition underscores the importance of encouraging young talent in sports and martial arts disciplines.
Discipline and training key to success
Sharing her experience, Vedhika emphasised the role of discipline and regular practice in overcoming challenges. She said that mastering kata required focused breathing exercises and stretching routines to improve flexibility and precision.
“To overcome stiffness in kata, I practised daily breathing exercises and stretching. Understanding the meaning behind each movement helped me achieve better technique,” she said.
For kumite, which involves sparring, she highlighted the importance of mental preparation. “To overcome fear and anxiety, I practised more sparring and used visualisation techniques to anticipate my opponent’s moves,” she added.
Challenges in mastering karate
According to her coaches, excelling in karate requires a balance between physical skill and mental focus. They noted that beginners often face difficulty in maintaining proper posture, hand positioning, and hip movement, all of which are crucial for effective performance.
Katas such as Pinan Shodan, considered foundational, demand precision and coordination. Advanced forms like Sanchin require strong stability, particularly in low stances such as ‘shiko-dachi’, which test a practitioner’s leg strength and endurance.
In kumite, success depends on timing, distance, and the ability to quickly read and counter an opponent’s moves. Coaches pointed out that handling pressure and maintaining composure during matches are equally important.
A promising future ahead
Vedhika’s achievement within just one year of training reflects her commitment and potential in the sport. Her journey serves as an inspiration for other young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.
With continued training and support, she is expected to achieve greater milestones in the future, bringing further recognition to Mangaluru in the field of martial arts.
Conclusion
Vedhika S Das’s success at an international karate championship not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the growing presence of young talent from Mangaluru on global platforms. Her dedication, discipline, and rapid progress underscore the value of early training and consistent effort in achieving excellence.