Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 19: 29th All India level Budokan Open Karate Championship was inaugurated here at the indoor stadium on Friday November 18. The championship is being hosted by Institute of Karate and Allied Arts.

Former union minister and chief patron, Subhash Maharia, inaugurated the championship at a function presided over by local MLA, K Raghupati Bhat.  Ramvir Ajriwal from New Delhi, Ramanathan, chief executive officer of Tebma Shipyard Malpe, town municipal president, Kiran Kumar, AIBKF chairman, Hanumanth Rao, president of Malpe Fishermen’s Association, Hiriyanna T Kediyoor, president of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Fisheries Federation, Yashpal Suvarna, and many others were present. Institute of Karate and Allied Arts was represented by its secretary, K Anand Devadiga, and others.

Multi-lingual cine star, Suman, who participated in the function, won over the hearts of the people present by fluently speaking in five languages, Tulu, Kannada, English, Telugu, and Tamil. “I am the son of Tulunadu. I am also a Karateka. Karate helped me to succeed in filmdom and grow into a complete performer,” he said.

Kiran Marshall, grand champion, administered the oath. Chief instructor, Pravin Kumar, welcomed. Dr Bhamini Rao and Abraham presented the programme. Shivanand Salian proposed vote of thanks.

The championship will continue till November 20.   Prizes will be distributed to winners at the valedictory function slated to be held at 7 pm on Sunday by managing director of Manipal Technology Ltd, T Gautham Pai.