Gateway karatekas go places in Sri Lanka and overseas

Gateway College Colombo’s Kenneth Juan Yan has brought honour to Sri Lanka and the Gateway Group by winning the Bronze Medal in Kumite at the 10th South Asian Cadet, Junior, Under-21 and Senior Karate Championship and the second South Asian Under-14 Karate Championship, held from July 15 to 19 in Dhaka, Bangladesh representing Sri Lanka.

Adding to the significance of this outstanding achievement, Kenneth was the youngest male athlete selected to represent the Sri Lanka at the championship. Competing against the region’s best young karatekas, he delivered an exceptional performance to secure a place on the podium, marking a proud milestone for both Sri Lanka and his alma mater.

Kenneth earned his place in the squad following the national selection process conducted by the Working Task Force for Karate-Do under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. His selection came after winning the championship title in the Under-13 Boys’ Kumite event at the Karate-Do Federation National Championship 2026, qualifying him to compete in the Under-10 Boys’ Individual Kumite (-40kg) category at the South Asian Championship.

Gateway College also celebrated outstanding performances on the national stage, with students claiming championship titles at the Sri Lanka Schools Junior Karate Championship 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Karate-Do Association and held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

Imandee Wickrama Edirisooriya of Gateway College Colombo was crowned National Champion after winning the Gold Medal (Merit Award) in the Under-13 Girls Black Belt (Level 5) Kata event at the All-Island Championship. Having qualified through the Western Province Championship, she produced an exceptional performance to claim the national title.

R.A.D. Danula Dinhas Rajapakse from Gateway College Dehiwela also became an All-Island Champion, winning first place in the Under-11 Kata category.

Samuel Akira Herath of Gateway College Ratmalana was likewise crowned All-Island Champion after securing first place in the Under-10 Kata category.

The Western Province Junior Karate Championship also produced further success for Gateway College Colombo as Shenuri Ratnayake qualified for the All-Island Championship in the Under-13 Girls Level 3 Kata category, where she represented the school with distinction.

According to the school, the achievements reflect the strength of the karate programme across the Gateway Group and are a testament to the dedication of the students, the expertise of their coaches, and the unwavering encouragement of their families. 

Kenneth’s success on the South Asian stage further demonstrates Gateway’s commitment to developing young athletes who excel at both national and international levels.