Two Police Karate Athletes Selected to the National Karate Squad Following Outstanding Performances at the 2026 Open Karate Championship

The 2026 Open Karate Championship, organized by the Sri Karate Do Task Force for the selection of the 2026 National Karate Do Squad, was held on 13.06.2026 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

Representing the Police Karate Team, 11 athletes competed in the championship. Among them, Sergeant U.P. J.M.R.C. Appuhami, who competed in the Kumite +84 kg category, secured third place and earned selection to the National Karate Squad. In addition, Police Constable 107216 Bandara, who competed in the Kumite -67 kg category, also claimed third place and was selected to represent the National Squad.

Furthermore, the following nine officers demonstrated outstanding performances and successfully advanced to the Top 8 of their respective categories:

1. Police Constable 28912 Kariyawasam – Kumite -84 kg
2. Police Constable 25497 Wijeratne – Kumite +84 kg
3. Police Constable 25889 Gunasinghe – Kumite -67 kg
4. Police Constable 24593 Buddhika – Kumite -84 kg
5. Police Constable 27149 Chathuranga – Kumite -75 kg
6. Police Constable 40540 Rohitha – Kumite -60 kg
7. Police Constable 98437 Gayan – Kumite -55 kg
8. Police Constable 99585 Kavindu – Kumite -55 kg
9. Police Constable 107222 Gobihan – Kumite -55 kg

A total of 1,800 athletes representing 450 sports clubs and associations from across the country participated in the championship, making it one of the largest karate competitions held this year.

The Police Karate Association is led by Deputy Inspector General of Police Sisira Kumara as President, while Senior Superintendent of Police Sarathchandra Gunathilaka serves as Secretary. Inspector Rajivi Prasanna functions as the Team Leader, Inspector Pubudu Chathuranga as the Team Manager, and Jurampathy as the Team Coach.