Jammu, June 2 -- When 22-year-old karate player and coach Rifat Shafi stood on the victory podium in Kathmandu, Nepal, holding the Indian tricolour high after winning a gold medal at the 12th Mt. Everest International Karate Championship 2026, it was more than a personal achievement. It was a proud moment for Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, and the entire country.

A 10-time national medalist, Rifat clinched the gold medal in the 50-kg category, defeating opponents from Japan, Bangladesh and Nepal to finish unbeaten with three victories in three fights. For the young athlete, representing India on an international stage was a dream come true.

"I was very excited because I was representing India. It was a very big moment for me," she said w...