This wonder kid wins a gold medal at 5th International Karate Championship 2023

Dhruv Pandit needs no introduction now. In two words – He is a ‘Wonder Kid’. You name the event and this little blaster has won numerous accolades in it already. Taking his own standard one notch higher again, before the year ends, Dhruv has kicked in with a big feather in his cap. He is now an international gold medallist in Karate. 

Beating competitors from Suriname, UK, Mexico,US, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Dhruv has won Gold medal at the recent championship organised by World United Sports Karate Organition in Amritsar last month. 

Read edited excerpts of the interview to know what the wonder kid has to say about this achievement: 

Dhruv, tell us in detail about this Karate event?

This karate event was organised from 24 to 26 November in the city of the Golden Temple, the holy city of Amritsar. It was an international event. Apart from India, US, Malaysia, Suriname, Nepal and UK also had many participants here.

I participated in the 5-10 years age group category. I participated in both Kata and Kumite.

Kata means individual performance according to my belt which is Purple and Kumite means an open fight. It was organised by the World United Sports Karate Organisation.

How many rounds were there? Were the opponents too tough?

I won back to back 3 rounds to get my gold medal! These were 3 individual rounds. From each round winners were selected for the next level rounds. Opponents were chosen by a draw in the preliminary round and they gave me a good fight! I won all the three level fights.

How did you like the city of Amritsar?

It was amazing. We were lucky to visit the city on the occasion of Gurpurab and so there were festivities all around. People from all parts of the country and also from abroad were visiting to worship in the Golden Temple.

I also visited Wagah border and it was a great experience. I also went to Jallianwalah Bagh and saw the bullet marks on the wall of the bagh!

 How long did you prepare for this tournament? Tell us about the training process?

I started to prepare for this championship two months ago when my coach Sensai Kapil informed me.This time I decided to participate both in Kata and Kumite. I followed my coach’s instructions well and did everything he said.

I ate eggs for breakfast regularly as I am already a thin guy, so I needed more strength and energy. I did alternate day training sessions with the coach and Kata practice at home in front of the mirror. My coach trained me by making me fight with my seniors so that I can fight well in the final!

 Any upcoming tournaments?

I am focused on the All India Karate Championship this December-January. I am training hard for it. Let’s see how it all goes. I feel confident.