Kalimpong’s Shihan Sushan Thapa Becomes First Indian Gorkha to Qualify as AKF Kata Judge

KalimNews, July 13, 2026, Kalimpong: Kalimpong’s Shihan Sushan Thapa has created history by becoming the first Indian Gorkha to qualify as an Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Kata Judge, a prestigious international achievement recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia. His success marks a proud and significant moment for the Gorkha community, Indian karate, and the entire Darjeeling Himalayan region.

The AKF Kata Judge examination was conducted by the Asian Karate Federation in Vietnam on July 7 and 8, 2026. The Asian Karate Federation is an organisation recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia and plays a key role in promoting and regulating karate across the continent.

The examination was conducted under the supervision of senior officials from the AKF and World Karate Federation, including Mansour Al-Sultan, Chairman of the AKF Referee Commission from Kuwait; Michael Huang, Secretary of the AKF Referee Commission from Taiwan; Chino Veguilas, Member of the AKF Referee Commission from the Philippines; and Jaber Jasim, Member of the Referee Commission of both the World Karate Federation and Asian Karate Federation from the UAE.

Following this achievement, Shihan Sushan Thapa also served as a referee at the 13th East Asian Karate Championship 2026, held in Vietnam from July 9 to 12, 2026. The championship witnessed participation from 11 teams representing Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, and Brunei.

Shihan Thapa had earlier achieved the qualification of AKF Kumite Judge in Bhutan in 2024. With his latest accomplishment in Kata judging, he has become the first Indian Gorkha to hold international AKF licences in both Kumite and Kata judging.

This remarkable double achievement has created a new milestone for karate officials from the Darjeeling hills, Bengal, the entire Northeast region, and India. It reflects the growing contribution and recognition of athletes and officials from the region on the international karate stage.

Expressing his gratitude, Shihan Sushan Thapa thanked Karate India Organisation (KIO) President Hanshi Bharat Sharma and General Secretary Kyoshi Sanjeev Kumar Jangrap for providing him with opportunities to represent India at the international level. He also expressed his appreciation to his well-wishers, students, and family members for their constant encouragement, support, and motivation throughout his journey.

Shihan Thapa’s achievement is regarded as a landmark moment for karate in the Darjeeling hills and a source of inspiration for aspiring karate practitioners across the region.

KIO President Hanshi Bharat Sharma congratulated Shihan Sushan Thapa on his historic accomplishment and extended his best wishes for continued success in his international judging career.