Mesom Singhi from Arunachal Pradesh etched her name in India’s martial arts history by winning gold at the South Asian Karate Championship 2025 held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The talented karateka defeated Nepal’s Laxmi Bhandari in the women’s 55kg kumite final with an impressive score of 5-1, demonstrating technical mastery, mental strength, and strategic brilliance.
A golden journey for Mesom Singhi
Representing India, Mesom dominated her bouts from the first round. She defeated Pakistan’s Sana Mir 4-0 in the quarter-final, overcame Sri Lanka’s Nuwangi Perera 3-2 in a tense semi-final, and displayed aggression and control to claim the gold medal match against Nepal.
| Round | Opponent | Country | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-final | Sana Mir | Pakistan | 4-0 | Win |
| Semi-final | Nuwangi Perera | Sri Lanka | 3-2 | Win |
| Final | Laxmi Bhandari | Nepal | 5-1 | Win |
Mesom Singhi’s reaction after victory
Speaking from Colombo, an emotional Mesom said:
“I am so happy to win gold for India and Arunachal. This is just the beginning. My dream is to win a medal at the Asian Games and represent India at the Olympics. I thank my coaches, parents, and the Karate Association of India for their support.”
Rising star from Arunachal Pradesh
Hailing from Mebo village in East Siang district, Mesom has become a role model for girls in Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. Her journey began at the age of 8 under Sensei Tamang Doye at the Pasighat Karate Do Academy. Over the years, her dedication and discipline have made her one of India’s brightest karate prospects.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2017 | State Junior Championship gold |
| 2019 | National Sub-Junior Championship silver |
| 2022 | Khelo India Youth Games bronze |
| 2024 | Senior Nationals gold |
| 2025 | South Asian Karate Championship gold |
State and national leaders laud her feat
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Mesom, tweeting:
“Congratulations Mesom Singhi for winning gold at the South Asian Karate Championship. You have made Arunachal and India proud. Best wishes for your Asian Games preparations.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also praised her:
“Proud moment for India and Arunachal Pradesh. Mesom’s hard work and perseverance are inspiring. We will continue to support her in her journey towards the Asian Games and beyond.”
Karate experts analyse her performance
Renowned karate coach Sensei Bharat Sharma highlighted:
“Mesom has excellent reflexes and footwork. Her ability to anticipate opponents’ attacks and counter swiftly gives her an edge. With structured international exposure, she can be a medal contender at the Asian level.”
Former Asian Games medallist Sunil Das added:
“Technically, she is very sound. Her attacking approach combined with strong defence makes her a complete fighter.”
Preparing for the Asian Games
The Karate Association of India has included Mesom in the national camp for the 2026 Asian Games in Tokyo. She will train alongside senior karatekas and foreign coaches to improve her techniques, stamina, and tactical adaptability for continental competition.
| Upcoming Events | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Karate Championship | October 2025 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
| Olympic Qualifier Series | March 2026 | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Asian Games | August 2026 | Tokyo, Japan |
Impact on sports in Arunachal Pradesh
Mesom’s gold medal is set to boost martial arts popularity in Arunachal Pradesh. Coaches in Pasighat and Itanagar have reported a surge in enrolment of young girls in karate academies after her win.
Sports Director Abraham Tayeng stated:
“We are planning talent hunts and scholarships to promote more girls like Mesom. Our focus is on structured training, nutrition, and international exposure.”
Social media erupts in praise
Her victory became the top trending topic in Northeast India, with hashtags like #MesomSinghi #KarateChampion #ProudOfArunachal dominating timelines.
Fans wrote:
- “Daughters of Arunachal are making India proud. Congratulations Mesom!”
- “Such a powerful and composed athlete. Future Asian Games medallist for sure.”
- “From a small village to South Asian champion. True inspiration.”
Mesom’s message to aspiring athletes
In her closing remarks after her medal ceremony, Mesom urged young athletes:
“Work hard with honesty, listen to your coaches, and never give up even if facilities are limited. Your dedication will bring results.”
Final thoughts
Mesom Singhi’s gold at the South Asian Karate Championship is more than just an individual triumph; it signifies the emergence of Northeast India as a powerhouse in martial arts. Her victory will inspire thousands of young girls to break societal barriers and pursue sports professionally.
As she now prepares for the Asian Karate Championships and the 2026 Asian Games, the nation’s eyes will be on this rising champion who has proved that with courage, discipline, and perseverance, no dream is too big – not even for a girl from the remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. It includes championship results, athlete statements, and expert analyses based on public interviews and tournament data. Final event records remain subject to official confirmation by organising bodies.
