Nepal take early lead in 10th South Asian Karate 

 
Nepal seized the early advantage on the opening day of the 10th South Asian Karate Championship 2026, winning 17 gold medals to top the standings as the two-day regional meet got under way at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.

Organised by the South Asian Karate Federation with support from the Bangladesh Karate Federation (BKF), the championship also features the 2nd Under-14 South Asian Karate Cup 2026.

A total of 35 of the scheduled 63 gold medal contests were decided on the opening day. Nepal led the medal table with 17 gold, eight silver and two bronze medals (27 in total). India occupied second place with nine gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze medals (30), while hosts Bangladesh stood third after claiming six gold, eight silver and 20 bronze medals, taking their overall tally to 34 medals. Sri Lanka were fourth with three gold, seven silver and 19 bronze medals.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque inaugurated the championship as the chief guest. South Asian Karate Federation President Bharat Sharma attended as special guests. BKF President Md Shahjada Alam presided over the opening ceremony.