BIRATNAGAR: Koshi Province brought back its confidence with a strong performance in karate at the 16th President’s Running Shield Tournament held in Kathmandu from June 3 to 5.

Koshi did not just win medals in women’s karate; they staged a ‘clean sweep’ by winning gold in three weight categories. With Hira Ale Magar winning in 45 kg, Pranisha Nepal in 50 kg, and Sashika Ale Magar in 55 kg, Koshi Province left a distinct impression on the mats of the Dasharath Stadium.

The success of these three teenage girls helped pull Koshi out of the previous year’s disappointment, elevating them to fifth place on the medal tally. Their victory also sent a clear message that a new generation of karatekas is emerging in the province.

Hira’s dream

Fifteen-year-old Hira Ale Magar from Barahakshetra-7, Sunsari, is a student in Grade 9. Looking at her age and height, one might think she has just started out in the sport, but she has been wearing the karate gi for six years.

At the age of nine, while her friends were enjoying games and childhood fun, Hira was on the mat learning Kata and Kumite. Today, she holds a Black Belt First Dan.

Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki handing over a check of Rs 100,000 to gold medalist Hira Ale Magar.

Winning the gold by defeating an athlete from Bagmati Province in the 45 kg weight category this time, she recalled her hard work since childhood. Carrying the dreams of her father Mohan Ale Magar and mother Goma Ale Magar, Hira sees her future in karate as well.

“We have the passion, but there is no proper covered hall to train in the village,” Hira says with a smile. “If the state provides facilities, many diamonds (‘Hira’ means diamond) like us can shine right from the villages.”

Hira’s success has become a source of pride not just for her family, but for the entire Barahakshetra region.

Pranisha’s thirst for training

Seventeen-year-old Pranisha Nepal from Beldangi, Damak-3, Jhapa, has an even longer journey in karate. She has been involved in karate since she was in Grade 1. Nearly 12 years of continuous practice has led her to the gold medal in the 50 kg weight category.

Chief Minister Karki handing over a check to gold medalist Pranisha Nepal.

The youngest daughter of Rajesh and Menuka Nepal, Pranisha believes that sports are not just about showing strength, but also about mental concentration. The moment she defeated the athlete from Bagmati Province on the mat is her biggest achievement so far. However, she does not want to stop here.

“We won gold, but it is mostly due to our personal hard work,” Pranisha says. “If the government provides closed-camp training for one or two months with proper nutrition and training for athletes selected for the national team, we wouldn’t have to look up to anyone else for international medals.”

Currently studying in Grade 12, she is balancing her studies and sports simultaneously.

Sashika’s journey

The third gold medalist is Sashika Ale Magar. Her story is slightly different. Although her home is in Manebhanjyang, Okhaldhunga, she lives in Katari, Udayapur, to study and learn karate. Fifteen-year-old Sashika is a Grade 10 student at Muna Madan English Boarding School in Katari.

Having started karate in Grade 6, Sashika is now a Brown Belt. Since no competitors were found in her weight category at the district level, she was selected directly for the province.

There was a distinct glow on her face when she won the gold by defeating Ali Rai of Madhesh Province in the 55 kg weight category.

Chief Minister Karki handing over a check to gold medalist Sashika Ale Magar.

“Katari still lacks sports infrastructure,” Sashika says. “It would be great if the state could provide financial benefits or salaries for us to become professional athletes. My dream is to make a career in karate and wave the country’s flag at the international level in the future.”

Karate in Koshi

Koshi Province won a total of 28 medals in the 16th President’s Running Shield Tournament, to which martial arts made a massive contribution. Winning nine medals in karate alone, Koshi stood ahead among all seven provinces.

The gold medals won by Hira, Pranisha, and Sashika in women’s karate bolstered Koshi’s overall performance.

This time, Koshi won four gold, seven silver, and 17 bronze medals. The provincial government honored the medal-winning athletes, coaches, and managers with cash prizes. Gold medalists received Rs 100,000 each, silver medalists received Rs 75,000, and bronze medalists were awarded Rs 50,000.

Chief Minister Karki taking a group photo with the medal-winning athletes.

While the honor has motivated the players, their underlying demands are serious. They want infrastructure, regular training, residential camps, nutrition, and an environment where they can build a sustainable career out of sports.

“We brought gold to Koshi through sheer hard work,” Hira says. “If the government invests just a little in karate, we can reach the global stage and bring home gold for the entire country.”