Pune Girl Ira Subramanian Wins Gold at National Karate Championship, Selected for South Asian Event
Pune, 28th June 2025: Nine-year-old Ira Subramanian from Pune has brought pride to Maharashtra by clinching a gold medal at the 4th KIO Nationals – Cadet, Junior & Sub Junior Karate Championship 2025 held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, from June 12 to 15. Representing Maharashtra in the Sub Junior 9 years Female Kumite -25 kg category, Ira overcame formidable opponents from across five states to secure the top podium finish.
The path to victory was anything but easy. Ira had to fight five intense matches against karatekas from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh. In a dramatic semifinal bout, she was trailing 0-5 against her Punjab opponent. With just 16 seconds remaining on the clock, Ira made a stunning comeback, turning the match around to win 7-5 — a display of remarkable grit, skill, and mental composure.
Her gold medal contributed to Maharashtra finishing third in the overall medal tally at the national championship.
Following her stellar performance, Ira has now been selected to represent India at the South Asian Karate Championship scheduled to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ira began her karate journey at the age of six and has consistently demonstrated dedication and discipline in the sport. She trains at SNBP Karate Champions under the guidance of her coach and mentor, Bhavinya Aiwale. Her physical fitness and agility have been shaped by Coach Amit Kumar, founder of Atthlete Inside, who played a vital role in her training journey.
As Ira prepares to wear the India jersey on an international platform, her story continues to inspire young athletes across the country.
