Janmoni Konwar, a Class 12 student from Jorhat, Assam, secured a gold medal at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship 2026 in New Delhi, despite her family’s home being submerged by floods. Her journey to the championship was facilitated by PhysicsWallah founder Alakh Pandey, who arranged her travel and accommodation.
The floods significantly impacted Janmoni’s preparations for the national competition. On July 19, floodwaters entered her home, forcing her family to relocate to the Bhogdoi river embankment. Their house remained under approximately 5 feet of water, while the family sought shelter under a tarpaulin on the dyke. This displacement occurred as Janmoni was preparing for the championship, a competition where she had previously earned national medals in 2024 and 2025.
Support from Alakh Pandey
The challenge of travelling to Delhi for the championship amid her family’s difficult circumstances was overcome when Alakh Pandey encountered Janmoni’s family. Pandey was distributing relief in flood-affected upper Assam from July 30 when he met them at their shelter in Jorhat on August 3. He observed Janmoni’s medals and learned about her karate aspirations, which led him to assist her.
Pandey arranged Janmoni’s flight tickets and accommodation for her trip to Delhi. Janmoni departed for Delhi on August 6. Upon her arrival, she remained focused on the competition, despite the ongoing challenges faced by her family back home. She won all three of her bouts at the championship, culminating in a 10-2 victory in the final to claim the gold medal.
Following Janmoni’s success, Pandey shared her story on social media, emphasizing that Janmoni was the central figure in her achievement. He stated, “This is Janmoni’s story. She is the hero. I am only a medium.” Pandey acknowledged Janmoni’s dedication and the support she had received from her coach, federation, and the broader system prior to his involvement, noting that she had already competed in the Nationals twice before their meeting.
Pandey described his assistance as a timely act of support, suggesting that someone else would have stepped in if he hadn’t. He also expressed his intention to dedicate more time to social causes, including education, sports, hunger, and livelihood. He encouraged others to offer support when they identify someone in need.
Return to Jorhat
Janmoni returned to Jorhat on Sunday after her gold-medal win in Delhi. Despite her victory, her family’s situation at home had not immediately changed, as they were still residing on the dyke due to their submerged house. Janmoni mentioned that Pandey was waiting for her at Dibrugarh airport upon her return. The young karate champion returned home with a gold medal, while her family continued to await a return to normal living conditions.
The 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship 2026 was held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Manipur also participated in the championship, concluding their campaign with a total of 21 medals, including 6 gold, 2 silver, and 13 bronze medals. The state’s gold medalists included Lakshita Kakchingtabam, Leishemba Leishangthem, Bhagyaraj Rajkumar, and Sapam Starter, across various sub-junior kumite and kata events.
Janmoni, an 17-year-old karate athlete, has expressed her ambition to represent India at the Olympics. Her achievement comes as Assam continues to face recurring flood crises. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for a “national solution” to the state’s flood problem, advocating for scientific and long-term measures rather than merely declaring floods a national issue. Sarma suggested that educational and scientific institutions could contribute to identifying practical solutions to the state’s persistent flood challenges. He also noted that Assam currently lacks a scientific flood management system, traditionally relying on embankments and geo-bags.
Sarma visited flood-affected areas in Mangaldoi, Darrang district, on Saturday to assess the situation and review the damage. He also visited a relief camp, inspecting food provisions and instructing officials to maintain proper hygiene and nutritional standards for affected residents.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
