The hallowed halls of Netaji Indoor Stadium witnessed a powerful spectacle of discipline, unity, and competitive excellence as the 9th International Karate Championship – Indian Challengers Cup 2025 unfolded from 25th to 27th July. Over 7,500 participants from various countries came together to compete, celebrate, and elevate the spirit of martial arts on an international stage.
Organized by the All India Seishinkai Shito Ryu Karate Do Federation in association with Karate Do Association of Bengal,this mega event was a testament to the rising global standard of Indian karate, hosted under the visionary leadership of Hanshi Premjit Sen.
The Man Behind the Movement: Hanshi Premjit Sen.A name synonymous with Indian karate, Hanshi Premjit Sen has spent over three decades dedicated to the development, recognition, and upliftment of karate in India and beyond.
He is the President of Global Seishinkai Shitoryu Karate Do Federation
Chairman, Referee Commission – Karate India Organization (KIO)
Referee & Judge – World Karate Federation (WKF) & Asian Karate Federation (AKF)
From introducing globally standardized refereeing in India to mentoring thousands of athletes, Premjit Sen has redefined the landscape of Indian martial arts. His tireless efforts have brought world-class championships to Indian soil, enabling young karatekas from remote corners of the country to dream big and compete at international levels.
His vision: To make India a martial arts powerhouse on the world map — and this championship was a living embodiment of that dream.
🌟 Key Results & Highlights:
• Team LPU Punjab clinched 1st position in Team Kumite Female, winning ₹30,000.
• Team Indian Army stole the spotlight in Team Kumite Male, earning Gold and ₹50,000.
• Team Bengal Female secured 2nd place (₹15,000), while Team Bengal Male stood 3rd (₹10,000).
• National champions from Bengal swept all top positions in Open Kata Female, collecting ₹27,000.
• Open Kata Male title was bagged by Assam Rifles, followed closely by Bengal’s top performers.
This event brought together children as young as 6 and seniors up to 65, all united by their love and dedication for karate — a truly intergenerational celebration of martial spirit.
Dignitaries Who Graced the Championship:
Mr. Sujit Bose – Minister of Fire & Emergency Services (Independent Charge), Government of West Bengal
Mr. Arup Roy – Minister-in-Charge, Department of Food Processing Industries, Government of West Bengal
H.E. Mr. Xu Wei – Consul General of the People’s Republic of China
Mr. Katsunori Ashida – Deputy Consul General of Japan
Mr. Sabyasachi Dutta – Chairperson, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation
Mr. Swapan Banerjee – Chairman, AITC Sports Wing
Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury – Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group
Mr. Tinkari Dutta – Director, SITI Cable Network
Their presence not only uplifted the prestige of the championship but also reinforced the global appeal and cultural unity this event promotes.
A Grand Festival of Karate in Bengal
From thunderous team battles to the grace of kata performances, the championship was a harmonious blend of culture, competition, and camaraderie. It wasn’t just an event — it was a movement of empowerment through martial arts, with Bengal proudly at its heart.
“Karate is not just a sport — it is a way of life. Through discipline, respect, and perseverance, we build not only champions on the mat, but stronger human beings off it. My mission has always been to give every child in India a fighting chance to dream, to grow, and to rise through the spirit of martial arts.”
