Sushan Thapa Passes AKF Referee Examination, Recognized as Kumite Judge - B

KalimNews, Kalimpong, August 1, 2024: Shihan Sushan Thapa, a distinguished karate master from Gitkolbong village in the Kalimpong district, has reached a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian Gorkha from the GTA region to pass a high-level examination conducted by the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) and qualify as a Kumite Judge - B.

The examination, administered by the Asian Karate Federation and recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia, took place on July 16, 2024, in Thimphu, Bhutan. The international-level referee exam was overseen by examiner secretary Michael Huang, WKF Referee Commission member Jaber Alzabi, AKF Referee Commission member Thari Chi, and Shaheen Akhtar.

"Talent is not just about personal recognition; it also serves as an inspiration for others," and Sushan Thapa embodies this sentiment. A martial artist from Kalimpong, Thapa began his karate journey in 2004 under the technical guidance of Karate Master Bharat Sharma.

Shihan Thapa is a well-respected national and international athlete who has secured numerous medals for both his state and country. His notable achievements include participating in the WKF Club World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2010, and competing in international championships in Sri Lanka, Dubai, UAE, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Holding a 5th Dan Black Belt, Shihan Sushan Thapa is an AKF certified and WKF recognized licensed karate instructor. He has been operating the Sushan's Karate-Do Academy in Kalimpong since 2014. Through his academy, he promotes not only physical health but also mental well-being. To guide today's youth and students onto the right path, Thapa provides karate training across various schools in the Kalimpong district.

Under Thapa's training, many state and national-level medalists, 8 national referees, and 41 black belt-qualified karate students have emerged.

Born into a modest family in Gitkolbong village, under the Lava Gitbyong Gram Panchayat, Sushan Thapa completed his primary education at Gitkolbong Primary School and continued his studies at BM High School in Samabeong Tea Estate until Class 8. He completed his secondary education at Kumudini Homes School, Kalimpong, in 2007 and his higher secondary education at SUMI, Kalimpong, in 2009. In 2012, he earned a BA in Arts from Kalimpong College and a postgraduate diploma in karate from Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University in 2016.

Thapa also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education (B.P.Ed) from Model B.P.Ed College, Jalpaiguri, under North Bengal University, and a Master’s degree in Physical Education (M.P.Ed) from Nasikrao Tirpude College of Physical Education, under Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University.

Shihan Sushan Thapa remains a source of pride for the hills. The Hill wishes him continued success and good health.