Siliguri Karateka Rizong Tamang Selected to Represent West Bengal at Senior National Karate Championship 2026
Siliguri, February 23 2026: Continuing his consistent rise in Indian karate, Rizong Tamang from Siliguri in Darjeeling district has been selected to represent West Bengal at the upcoming Senior National Karate Championship to be held in New Delhi from February 26 to March 1. The experienced athlete will compete in the Senior Male Individual Kata category, marking his sixth appearance at the prestigious national-level tournament.
Tamang’s selection underscores both his sustained performance over the years and the growing prominence of martial arts athletes emerging from North Bengal.
Sixth National Appearance in Senior Category
The Senior National Karate Championship is among the most competitive events in India’s karate calendar, bringing together top athletes from across states and union territories. Tamang’s inclusion in the West Bengal squad for the sixth time reflects his consistency and technical proficiency in kata — a discipline that focuses on precise forms, balance, timing, and controlled execution of movements.
Kata competitions demand not only physical skill but also mental discipline and artistic expression. Athletes are evaluated on technique, rhythm, power, and accuracy, making it a highly specialized category.
Tamang has previously secured bronze medals at the Senior National Championships in 2019, 2022, and 2024 while representing West Bengal. His repeated podium finishes have established him as one of the state’s dependable performers in the senior division.
Support from Coach and Associations
In his response to the latest selection, Tamang expressed gratitude to his long-time coach and mentor Hanshi Premjit Sen for sustained guidance and technical training. He acknowledged that consistent mentorship has been crucial in refining his kata performance and preparing him for high-pressure competitions.
He also credited institutional support from the Karate Association of Bengal, which he said has helped athletes through sponsorship and insurance benefits. According to Tamang, structured backing from the state association has played a significant role in allowing competitors to focus on training and participation without financial uncertainty.
Additionally, he thanked the All India Seishinkai Shito-Ryu for its encouragement and sponsorship support over the years. The Seishinkai Shito-Ryu style emphasizes discipline, form precision, and traditional techniques, aligning closely with the demands of kata competitions.
A Personal Journey Marked by Dedication
Beyond competitive success, Tamang’s journey reflects personal resilience. He remembered his late mother, Lucky Tamang, acknowledging her role in supporting his early training days. He also expressed appreciation for his father’s continued encouragement.
Athletes from the Darjeeling hills often face challenges such as limited access to advanced training facilities and financial constraints. However, local sports communities have gradually strengthened grassroots initiatives, allowing martial arts practitioners to compete at state and national levels.
Sports observers in Siliguri note that Tamang’s repeated representation at the senior national level has inspired younger karate students in the region to pursue disciplined training.
Importance of National Championships
The Senior National Karate Championship serves as a benchmark for selecting athletes for international competitions and national camps. Performance at this level can influence selection for Asian and global events under the aegis of national federations.
Experts say consistent participation at the senior national level helps athletes build competitive experience and exposure to varied judging standards. For Tamang, the 2026 edition presents another opportunity to strengthen his track record.
Preparations for the championship typically involve intensive training sessions focusing on technique refinement, physical conditioning, and mock judging evaluations.
Growing Martial Arts Culture in North Bengal
North Bengal, particularly Siliguri and surrounding districts, has seen increasing interest in martial arts over the past decade. Karate academies and training centres have produced athletes who compete in state and national tournaments.
Local trainers believe that recognition at the national stage brings credibility to regional academies and encourages parents to consider structured sports training for children.
Officials from the Karate Association of Bengal have previously emphasized the importance of sustained sponsorship, grassroots competitions, and athlete welfare measures to maintain competitive standards.
Looking Ahead to Delhi Championship
With the championship scheduled in New Delhi from February 26 to March 1, Tamang has stated that his primary goal is to deliver his best performance and strive for another podium finish.
“Representing West Bengal is always an honour,” he said, adding that he aims to bring further recognition to both the state and the Darjeeling region.
Sports analysts suggest that experienced athletes like Tamang carry the responsibility of mentoring younger team members while competing at peak levels themselves.
As the championship approaches, the focus remains on preparation, discipline, and performance consistency. For Siliguri and the larger Darjeeling district, Tamang’s sixth national appearance symbolizes not just individual achievement but the steady progress of martial arts in the region.
If his past record is any indicator, the upcoming Senior National Karate Championship may once again see the Siliguri karateka competing strongly among the country’s best.
