Kathmandu, April 6
Nepal’s Arika Gurung has brought pride to the nation by securing a gold medal at the prestigious Australian Open Karate Championship, currently underway in Australia.
Competing in the women’s above 68 kg weight division, Arika outperformed her international rivals to claim the top podium finish. The Nepal Karate Federation confirmed her victory, calling it a significant milestone in Nepal’s growing presence on the global karate stage.
Arika, already a national hero for winning a historic silver medal at the South Asian Games, has once again proven her mettle in international competition.
The championship, being held from April 4 to 6, features a five-member Nepali squad—one male and four female athletes. In the men’s category, Santosh Shrestha is representing Nepal in the under 67 kg division. On the women’s side, Barsha Budha Magar (below 50 kg), Pushpaka Lama (below 55 kg), Sabina Shrestha (below 61 kg), and Erika Gurung (above 68 kg) are carrying the nation’s hopes.
The team is guided by head coaches Kushal Shrestha and Mandekaji Shrestha, with Amir Rana serving as assistant coach and team official. Tara Gurung is officiating at the event as a referee, further highlighting Nepal’s growing influence in the sport.
