By Denzome/Arjun | GlobalPostInfo
Updated on September 9, 2021, 5:23 PM
USA National Championship & Team Trials (1 – 5 September 2021), took place under the leadership of USA National Karate Federation and was held in Schaumburg Convention Center, Chicago, IL. It is the highest karate tournament in the United States.
Over the 5 -day event, Druk International Shito-Ryu Karate Do Association, Inc (DISKA) exhibited the excellent level of performance securing five gold, seven silver and five bronze medals. It’s incredible to see that DISKA successfully showcase unexpected skills in the highest level of tournament in its first-time participation. Participants were from over the United States and were selected for the national team.
When asked for the achievement of the National Championship, Sensei Ran Rai (Chief Instructor) said, “overall I am thrilled with the achievements of karatekas who put themselves in an arena for another level of challenge. I believe this achievement inspires our karatekas to work more. I credit these achievements to karatekas, Senseis, and parents who worked on a daily basis. Without their effort, this could not have happened. It’s a proud moment for us, as Bhutanese Americans”
DISKA President, Hemant Ghising express happiness and thanks to his team, “for the first time, we won the highest result and was promoted for the National Champions”. Sensei Nim Lama led the contingent. Sensei Ran Rai coached the participants during the tournament. When asked for the achievement of the National Championship, Sensei Ran Rai (Chief Instructor) said, “overall I am thrilled with the achievements of karatekas who put themselves in an arena for another level of challenge. I believe this achievement inspires our karatekas to work more. I credit these achievements to karatekas, Senseis, and parents who worked on a daily basis. Without their effort, this could not have happened. It’s a proud moment for us, as Bhutanese Americans”
13 Participants from DISKA were honored with grading are as follows. Abishek Gurung – Gold (Kata) & Silver (Kumite) Varnan Monger – – Gold (Kata) & Silver (Kumite) Bandana Rai – Gold (Kata) & Silver (Kumite) Wince Monger – Gold (Kata) & Bronze (Kumite) Oathsa Hang Rai – Gold (Kata) Kaushal Rai – Silver (Kata) 
Sumnima Rai – Silver (Kata) Parisha Dahal – Silver (Kata) Austin Bista – Bronze (Kata) & Bronze (Kumite) Navina Subba – Bronze (Kata) Rehan Pandhak – Bronze (Kata) Anjolina Bista – Bronze (Kata)Namsahang Rai.
Sensei Maya Lepcha, Sensei Tek Nepal, and Sensei Hemant Ghising were promoted to the next level referee grades. And, Representing DISKA, for the national champions are Abishek Gurung, Varnan Monger, Bandana Rai, Wince Monger, and Oathsa Hang Rai
DISKA, the nonprofit organization has around ten dojos in the US and two dojos in Canada. It has a legacy of decades connecting back to the history of Bhutanese refugee camps.
Find some of the pictures of the event attached here.
