Udupi: The coastal town of Udupi is set to witness a grand martial arts event as a national level karate competition will be held on September 6 and 7 at the Amrit Garden auditorium. The event is being organised in memory of Hansi Praveen Kumar, late President of Budokan Karate International and founder of the Institute of Karate and Allied Arts.
Two-day sporting event
Providing details at a press conference, M. Suresh, deputy headmaster of the Institute of Karate and Allied Arts, said that the competition is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from various states across the country. The two-day championship will showcase the skill and discipline of karatekas from diverse backgrounds.
“The competition is not only a tribute to Hansi Praveen Kumar’s legacy but also an opportunity for students and martial arts enthusiasts to display their dedication on a national platform,” Suresh stated.
Inauguration and guests
The formal inauguration will be held on September 6 at 11 am. Film actor and Budokan Karate International Chairman Suman Talwar will inaugurate the event. Former minister Pramod Madhwaraj will preside over the function, while MLA Yash Pal Suvarna and former MLA Raghupathi Bhat will attend as chief guests.
The closing ceremony has been scheduled for September 7 at 7 pm, during which winners across multiple categories will be felicitated.
Organisers and support
The competition is being coordinated under the guidance of the Institute’s deputy principals Vinod Ullal, Anand Devadiga, Prabhakar Kunder, and Balakrishna Alva, alongside competition organiser Kiran Marshall. The organisers emphasised that the event will adhere to national-level competition standards to ensure a fair and competitive platform for participants.
Tribute to a martial arts visionary
The event also serves as a heartfelt homage to Hansi Praveen Kumar, whose contribution to spreading karate and allied martial arts in Karnataka and beyond has been immense. By dedicating the event to his memory, organisers aim to inspire young karatekas to follow his path of discipline, excellence, and service to the martial arts community.
Conclusion
With thousands of participants and prominent dignitaries in attendance, the upcoming karate competition is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events in Udupi this year. It will not only highlight the talent of martial artists from across India but also reinforce Udupi’s position as a hub for cultural and sporting activities.