A bronze medal won by Alisha Subudhi in a prestigious karate competition abroad is fueling India’s ambitions for the sport at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. This achievement has underscored the importance of structured support for non-mainstream sports, with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) playing a pivotal role in nurturing talent.
The Sports Authority of India, through initiatives like the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, has been backing combat sports such as karate, aiming to enhance India’s performance in these disciplines at the international level. Alisha’s success, supported by the TAGG scheme, marked a significant milestone as she became the first Indian woman to clinch a medal at a Karate 1 – Series A event by defeating her Croatian opponent 8-0 in the bronze medal match.
SAI’s efforts have led to the establishment of a robust high-performance ecosystem for karate athletes, encompassing targeted funding, exposure to elite coaching, and intensive national training camps. The organization’s support was evident through the funding of a senior National Coaching Camp in Lucknow, where 48 athletes received assistance under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) scheme, with a funding allocation of Rs. 1.2 crore.
Expressing gratitude towards TAGG for the financial support and the well-organized national camp in Lucknow, Alisha acknowledged the pivotal role these initiatives played in preparing athletes for the WKF Series A. The absence of a recognized National Sports Federation for karate did not hinder athlete preparation, as the Sports Authority of India took proactive measures by forming a Karate Organizing Committee to oversee selection trials, training camps, and international exposure opportunities.
With the Asian Games on the horizon, the continuous support provided by TAGG and SAI-led national camps is anticipated to be instrumental, particularly in elevating India’s standing in non-mainstream sports on the global stage. These initiatives aim to strengthen performance pathways and enhance the competitiveness of Indian athletes in international competitions.
