Legends are people who make an impact in the society and set up a benchmark for those who aspire to achieve a particular thing. Although Bengal is famous for producing sports personalities in the past, who had left their mark on youngsters who dream like their idols, it had also created a spark to achieve big amongst the budding sports person. Be it a cricket legend like Saurav Ganguly or footballer like Bhaichung Bhutia, we all have looked forward to their charismatic and impactful personality always. But, have we ever thought that we will have a personality, who will make an impact and inspire thousands of budding sports persons apart from the glamorous game like cricket or football? That too, in a game of “KARATE”?

Yes, you read it right. And the one who did this is none other than, Hanshi Premjit Sen. He is not only an inspiring sports personality in Bengal but also a successful administrator, holding the post of the President of Karate Do Association of Bengal, which has got lakhs of Karate practitioners in all the districts of West Bengal.

Renowned as “Hanshi,” he epitomises excellence in the domain of martial arts. His remarkable prowess and notable accomplishments have catapulted him to the pinnacle of acclaim. Driven by an unwavering commitment to enhance the martial arts infrastructure, he also contributes as an instructor, imparting his profound knowledge and skills to aspiring students of this revered art form.

Having clinched two gold medals in the esteemed World Cup of Martial Arts, he occupies the esteemed position of an ‘A’ Grade referee and judge for Kumite and Kata in the revered World Karate Federation (WKF), which is an official member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He holds that same portfolio at the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) which is an affiliate of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). As the first Bengali to achieve such commendable feats, he surpasses personal accomplishments alone.

Demonstrating his technical prowess in official Government events like the 33rd National Games in Assam, the 34th National Games in Jharkhand, Khelo India University Games, World Martial Art Games in Switzerland, World Karate Championships, South Asian Karate Do Championships, or the Commonwealth Karate Do Championships, he had seen it all. And at the same time, he had inspired every karateka, not only in Bengal but in India, and made everyone realize the fact that, “one should always aspire to dream big.” He has also been embraced the responsibility of Treasurer in the National Martial Art Games Federation of India. He has also served in various Asian Karate Championships as well as the World Karate Championship for the last 12 years. He ardently believes that those blessed with abundance should reciprocate with society.

Recently, he was conferred with the title of “TIMES BENGAL ICON 2023 : Iconic Personality in the field of Sports – Martial Arts category”. This award was given by The Times Group for his exemplary contributions in the field of Martial Arts.

Accolades like winning this title had set a benchmark for all other sports who had not been in the limelight in the past. And yes, this achievement by him will always remain in the hearts of all the karatekas, whom he represented at the prestigious stage. He has produced several National, South Asian, Commonwealth, and Asian medalists. Currently serving as the President of the Karate Do Association of Bengal, he continues to shape the future of martial arts, leaving an indelible imprint on the discipline he cherishes dearly.

Report by Dipak Kumar Shaw

Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB), under the dynamic leadership of Hanshi Premjit Sen and Hanshi Joydeb Mondal conducted it’s historic and glorious 25th West Bengal State Karate Championship at the Sidhu Kanu Indoor Stadium (City Centre, Durgapur) on 29th & 30th April 2023.

More than 1600 players witnessed this momentous occasion in the presence of various dignitaries and a packed Stadium.

The occasion was graced by various dignitaries which included the following:-

• Mrs Anindita Mukherjee (Chairperson, DMC, Durgapur) as the “Chief Guest”
• Hanshi Premjit Sen (President of KAB) as the “Special Guest”
• Hanshi Joydeb Mondal (General Secretary of KAB) as the “Guest of Honour”.

North 24 Parganas District emerged Champion followed by Kolkata District as 1st Runner up. Murshidabad District & South 24 Parganas District were declared the 2nd Runners up of the mega event.

All the officials, referees and judges were given honorarium (amounting to Rupees One Lakh Fifty Thousand only) along with t-shirts to all the players, style chiefs and district representatives, to commemorate the Silver Jubilee celebration of the State Championship. Moreover, KAB will also sponsor the players and coaches, who will get a chance to participate in the National, with their Transportation, Food, Accommodations, T-Shirts and other expenses.

Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB) conducted a General Meeting with all the affiliated Styles of KAB on 19.01.2023 at Patipukur Swamiji Sangha (Kolkata).The meeting was chaired by Hanshi Premjit Sen (President) along with Hanshi Joydeb Mondal (General Secretary), Shihan Manotosh Kar (Treasurer) and all the other members of the Association.Few important decisions were taken with the support of the House, for the benefit and betterment of Bengal Karate.Everyone actively took part in the Meeting and suggested their views.

Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB) successfully conducted the Selection of the Bengal team for the upcoming All India U21 & Senior Karate Championship which is going to take place in Dehradoon (Uttarakhand) in February 2023.The entire event was organised under the supervision of Hanshi Premjit Sen (President – KAB) & Hanshi Joydeb Mondal (General Secretary – KAB).Around 200 players from all the Districts of Bengal competed in the various categories of Kata and Kumite. Not to forget the Referee & Judges of KAB who had worked tirelessly to make the event successful and smoothThe selected players from Bengal will be sponsored by KAB, along with travelling, accommodation, tracksuit and participation fees.

Players of Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB) participated at the “All India Karate Do Championship 2022” which was held at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune (Maharashtra) from 16^th to 19^th June 2022.

This event was organized by Karate India Organisation (KIO) the only official and authentic Karate Association in India, which is a permanent member of World Karate Federation (WKF), Asian Karate Do Federation (AKF), South Asian Karate Do Federation (SAKF) and Commonwealth Karate Do Federation (CKF). WKF is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

KAB is a member of KIO and Bengal Olympic Association (BOA) and is led by its President, Hanshi Premjit Sen and General Secretary, Kyoshi Joydeb Mondal. KAB has gained immense popularity under their able leadership, not just in Bengal but in India as they do not leave a single stone unturned when it comes for karate. Mr. Sen  has proved to be the finest leader of modern era who is looked upon karatekas all across the world. Bringing new changes and adopting new measures for the betterment of the players in West Bengal is his motto in life and he is putting his heart and soul into it. Under his leadership karate has flourished in remarkable speed in Bengal and in no time he has become a name in each house when karate is the point of discussion. Loved by youngsters and blessed by all, with his friendly approach, and with the help of his best friend and General Secretary, Mr. Mondal, he has been able to bind all the different styles of karate in one thread in KAB, so firmly that they all work together under his able guidance for betterment of their sport. Mr. Mondal has been the strongest support always and has stood by him at all times. All his decisions and plans have been consented and whole heartedly executed in the finest way by Mr. Mondal due to which they both share a beautiful bond between them that may be envied by many. A blend of 2 masters who compliment each other in a very unique way, so much that since years they have been happily elected again and again as President and General  Secretary  by their Association.

Representing West Bengal, 48 players competed in 53 categories and won 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 9 Bronze Medals overall in the prestigious Championship. The names of the Medal winners are mentioned below:-

Shihan Subhas Mitra and Sensei Tanmay Mondal were the Team Coach, whereas, Sensei Prasenjit Das was appointed as the Team Manager of the Bengal Team.

Sensei Bappaditya Nandy, Sensei Tarak Nath Sardar, Sensei Jayanta Kumar Karmakar, Sensei Subir Mazumder, Sensei Manoj Prasad and Sensei Dipak Kumar Shaw were the Referees & Judges who represented Bengal in this Championship.

Earlier KAB provided Sponsorship to all the 48 Players (Rs. 4000/- & Rs. 5000/- for one and two events respectively) and 2 Team Coaches & 1 Team Manager (Rs. 7000/- each)  as proposed and confirmed by the President of the Association, Mr. Sen and General Secretary, Mr. Mondal.

To conclude about the event, the efforts put in by each and every players were truly commendable, keeping in mind that everyone came out through a bad phase of Covid19 for the past two years. Also, participation in such a platform itself is a matter of pride as they all went through various steps of selection to reach to that arena to perform. With further efforts of the players, we are confident that they will perform better in the times to come and make our Bengal prouder.

Congratulations to the President of Karate Do Association of Bengal for being awarded as the “Times Men of the Year 2022” in the field of Martial Arts.This award was given by The Times Group for his exemplary contributions in the field of Martial Arts.We, at Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB), are proud of you.

Great opportunity for all the players who have won laurels for the country in the WKF recognised international tournaments.KIO is going to felicitate and honour all the existing players who have won medals between 2019 to 2021.The Honorarium will include Cash rewards, Certificates, Medals & Momentos. This will be done in a ceremonial way in March 2022.Proud to be the member of the one and only authentic National Federation for Karate in India, Karate India Organisation (KIO).

Smart looking Referee & Judges of Karate Do Association of Bengal (KAB), with their new KIO Tie & Badges.In a ceremony held on 21.01.2022, the Referee & Judges of KAB were awarded with their Tie, Badges & Certificates. The occasion was graced by the President of KAB, Hanshi Premjit Sen and General Secretary, Kyoshi Joydeb Mondal.