Young Ludhiana karateka medals at Thailand Open; homecoming events planned
Bangkok/Ludhiana: Vibhu Bhaskar Sareen, an 11-year-old karate practitioner from Rurka village in Mullanpur near Ludhiana, won a bronze medal in the boys’ under-35kg category at the 16th Thailand Open Karate Championship, held from August 14 to 16 at Chakrabandhu Pensiri Hall, Kasetsart University, Thailand. Nearly 900 participants from 26 countries took part in the meet, organisers reported.
Vibhu, a student of St Martha’s Bethany Vidyalaya, Rurka, represented his dojo in bouts against international opponents and secured a podium finish in a highly competitive age group. He trains at Warriors Journey Dojo Martial Arts School under head coach Sensei Ravi Nagvanshi, who accompanied him to Bangkok, according to the event summary.
- Event: 16th Thailand Open Karate Championship, Bangkok (Aug 14–16)
- Category: Boys, 11 years, below 35kg
- Participants: Nearly 900 players from 26 countries
Vibhu’s achievements extend beyond match results. He has previously set records for physical endurance and technical skill that have been recognised by international record bodies. Among these feats are 118 roundhouse kicks in one minute and holding a full leg split for one hour and 20 minutes; both accomplishments are listed by the World Wide Books of Records and the International Book of World Records. He also took part in a mass karate record attempt that was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, performing continuous karate movements for 30 minutes.
“We are proud of Vibhu’s performance and the recognition he has brought to our village and school,” Vibhu’s father, Prashant Sareen, said of the medal and forthcoming homecoming events.
The young athlete’s success has drawn attention from local authorities and the sporting community in Ludhiana. A series of welcome events and felicitation programmes are planned on his return to Punjab. The schedule shared by his family and organisers includes:
| Date | Event | Venue / Time |
|---|---|---|
| August 18 | Arrival welcome | Halwara airport, 1:45 pm |
| August 18 | Tribute at DSP Office | DSP Office, Mullanpur, 2:45 pm |
| August 18 | Roadshow | Mullanpur Chowk, 3:15 pm |
| August 19 | Felicitation | District Sports Office, Ludhiana, 10:00 am |
| August 19 | Visits to district officials | Deputy Commissioner’s Office & DIG Ludhiana Range, noon |
Coaches, school authorities and members of the local sporting fraternity have expressed plans to honour Vibhu during these events. The itinerary shared by the family indicates a public procession and formal felicitation at government sports offices, reflecting recognition from civic and police authorities in the Mullanpur–Ludhiana area.
As a correspondent with roots in Punjab’s farming and small-town communities, I note that such achievements by children from villages like Rurka underscore the importance of grassroots training facilities and committed local coaches. Ludhiana’s sporting ecosystem, which includes school programmes and private dojos, has for years produced competitors who perform at national and international levels. Vibhu’s success will likely renew calls locally for greater support to youth sports — from equipment and training space to travel assistance for competitions abroad.
Vibhu’s medal will also be watched by the district sports administration as an indicator of talent emerging from semi-urban pockets surrounding Ludhiana city. The scheduled public events this week are expected to attract local residents, schoolmates, fellow athletes and functionaries from the sports and police departments.
Further details about the felicitation ceremonies and any awards from district or state authorities will be shared after the scheduled events conclude, organisers said.
