Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista on Sunday attended the 3rd Inter-School Open Karate Championship 2025 held at the historic Goethals Memorial School in Kurseong. The event brought together young karatekas from different schools of the region, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Bista, who was the chief guest, used the occasion not only to encourage the participants but also to highlight the importance of martial arts in shaping the future of young minds. In his address, he praised Goethals Memorial School for its rich legacy of producing outstanding achievers, citing examples of Sh. Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa, who was recently appointed as India’s Ambassador to Vietnam, and Major General Bijoy Dhoj Rai (Retd.), the highest-ranking Gorkha soldier from the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars.
“Institutions like Goethals have been giving our nation leaders, soldiers, and achievers for generations. Today’s karatekas are also walking the same path of discipline and excellence,” Bista said.
He said that martial arts are more than just physical training. They instill confidence, focus, discipline, and hard work—qualities that, he said, remain valuable in every stage of life. At a time when modern distractions such as smartphones, video games, and social media consume much of young people’s attention, martial arts, according to him, provide structure and direction.
“They channelize energy in a positive way, improve mental health, and keep youngsters away from drugs and other harmful habits. If we want our youth to become responsible citizens, martial arts and sports are the right tools,” he emphasized.
Bista also connected the championship to larger national efforts, particularly the Fit India Movement and Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) campaign. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Union government has steadily increased funding for youth and sports development, with the budget rising from ₹1,643 crore in 2014–15 to ₹3,794 crore in 2025–26.
“This rise in investment clearly shows how much importance our government gives to sports and fitness. Youth are our future, and we want to make sure they get the best opportunities to grow,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bista informed students that registrations had already started for the “Sansad Khel Mahotsav”, a festival designed to promote fitness and a drug-free lifestyle. This year, Karate has been included in the individual category.
He encouraged all young athletes, especially karatekas from the region, to take part in the Mahotsav. “Those who perform well here will get bigger platforms to showcase their talent. From local competitions, they can move on to state, national, and even international levels,” Bista said.
The MP also expressed gratitude to Sensei Sandeep Pradhan and the Martial Arts & Fitness Academy for training and nurturing young talent in the region. He thanked Goethals Memorial School for not only hosting the championship but also for continuing its role in shaping students who go on to excel in various fields.
“The dedication of teachers, trainers, and schools is what makes events like these possible. We must continue this teamwork if we want to see a healthier and stronger India,” he added.
