Shyamantak Ganguly Makes History: First Indian to Achieve a Podium Finish at the 2023 Open World Cup Full Contact Karate Championship
The 2023 Open World Cup Full Contact Karate Championship, held on June 30th and July 1st in Szolnok, Hungary, proved to be a monumental event in the world of martial arts. With over 450 participants from 25 countries, including Hungary, India, South Africa, Croatia, Spain, Romania, and Poland, the tournament showcased fierce competition across multiple categories of Kata and Kumite for children, youth, and adults.
Among the standout performers was Mr. Shyamantak Ganguly from Kolkata, West Bengal, who etched his name in Indian martial arts history by becoming the first Indian to secure a podium finish at this prestigious event. Competing in the -80kg category, Shyamantak won an impressive third place under the guidance of his coach, Hanshi Shivaji Ganguly.
In the fiercely contested -80kg category, the top spots were claimed by Hungary (1st place), Romania (2nd place), and India (3rd place), marking an incredible achievement for Indian Full Contact Karate. The tournament’s format, consisting of 3-minute rounds with an additional 2-minute extension in case of a draw, combined with bare-knuckle and bare-body fighting, ensured a grueling and intense experience for all competitors.
Shyamantak’s achievement is a significant milestone, not only for him but also for Indian Full Contact Karate, as it highlights the country’s growing presence in the global martial arts arena. His success is expected to inspire many young athletes in India to pursue the sport and aim for similar accomplishments on the world stage.
This historic performance marks the beginning of a bright future for Indian karate, as more athletes will undoubtedly be motivated to represent their country with pride and determination in upcoming international tournaments.
