- Erika Gurung won a bronze medal in the women’s above 68 kg kumite at the 22nd Senior Asian Karate Championship in Bali.
- She secured the podium finish by defeating Kazakhstan’s Taisiya Ultelbayeva 11–2 after a dominant 8–0 quarterfinal win over India’s Joni Mangkhia.
- This victory marks a significant achievement for Nepali karate, reinforcing the country's growing presence and competitive standing on the international stage.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal's Erika Gurung has won a bronze medal at the 22nd Senior Asian Karate Championship in Bali, Indonesia, adding another international achievement to the country's karate record.
Competing in the women's above 68 kg kumite category, Gurung secured the bronze after defeating Kazakhstan's Taisiya Ultelbayeva 11–2 in the medal bout, according to national team coach Kushal Shrestha.
Gurung began her campaign with a bye in the first round before advancing to the semifinals with an impressive 8–0 victory over India's Joni Mangkhia in the quarterfinals. She then went on to clinch a podium finish with a dominant performance against Ultelbayeva.
The Asian Karate Championship is one of the continent's premier karate tournaments, featuring top athletes from across Asia. Gurung's medal is seen as a significant achievement for Nepal and highlights the growing strength of Nepali karate on the international stage.
Her success has been welcomed by the country's sporting community, with officials and supporters praising her determination and performance throughout the competition. The achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of karate athletes and further encourage the development of the sport in Nepal.
Gurung's bronze-medal finish has once again brought pride to the nation and reaffirmed Nepal's ability to compete successfully at the highest levels of Asian karate.
