Karate Kid from Karnataka

Sharath Jango has the makings of a karate superstar — with great fighting skills he’s a go-getter in every sense of the word. This karate kid started learning karate when he was 12 years old. He has participated and won honours in many state and national level championships since then, and recently returned home after bagging gold at the state level karate championship.

He has always been a sports enthusiast but karate was what hooked Sharath. “I’m completing my graduation this year from Bengaluru. My aspiration is to be a KAS Officer (Karnataka Administrative Service) and to serve the state that has given me everything. I’ve always been passionate about sports and karate has been my driving force ever since I’ve been introduced to it. I won two gold and one bronze at the Commonwealth Karate Championship last year at New Delhi.

This was the highpoint in as it is considered as one of the highest among all the tournaments. I also took part in Karate Association of India Nationals where I won two silver medals and also the KAI under-21 National Karate Championship, where I won both gold and silver for various categories,” shares Sharath of his recent achievements.

Recalling some of his experiences participating in various championships, the young boy who has made karate a way of life, rather than something that he just learns and hones, he states, “I’m just happy that I can do my bit to make my country proud. I represented India at the Asian Karate Championship which was held at Kuala Lampur. I’ve also represented India for World Karate Championship in Bremen. I owe it all to my coach and mentor Sensei MG Prasad, Zen Sports and Fitness. He is an international karate gold medallist and has been my main dojo.”

Having dedicated his life to his first love-karate, Sharath also feels that he couldn’t have done it without the support of his mother. “My mother has been my backbone. Besides supporting my passion for sports, she also helps me with my studies. My father has always been by my side encouraging me and treating me like a friend. I hope to continue winning and fighting.”