Nagaland has achieved a historic milestone with Akumienla Limanungsang Imchen becoming the first karate player from the state to represent India and win a medal at an international competition. Imchen secured a Bronze Medal in the Senior Female Kumite category at the 8th South Asian Karate Championship 2024, held from July 13 to 20 at the Royal Institute of Management in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Akumienla was selected by the National Federation of Karate to represent India. She is affiliated with the All Nagaland Karate Do Association and trains under the guidance of Sensei Temsu Sangtam at the Logdrum Higher Secondary School Dojo in Sangtamtilla, Dimapur. She is the daughter of Limanungsang Imchen and Achala Tzuder from Landmark Colony, Dimapur.
This was Akumienla’s first participation in an official international championship. She was accompanied by Kyoshi Mutum Bankim Singh, Chief of the International Shito Ryu Karate Federation, India, and Renshi Soibam Bindeshori Chanu, Technical Secretary of ISKF-India, who served as the female official.
The championship was organized by the South Asian Karate Federation, hosted by the Bhutan Karate Association, and supported by the Bhutan Olympic Committee. In addition to her karate achievements, Akumienla currently serves as a Rifle Woman in the IRB 15th NAP Mahila Battalion.