New Delhi, June 13, 2025 – Dr. Pankaj Shukla, a prominent social welfare leader and founder of Gramya and Asre, has been appointed as the National Vice President of the Karate Association of India (KAI), the official governing body recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. This appointment marks a pivotal step in advancing karate’s reach across rural India, fostering youth participation, and strengthening the role of sports in nation-building.
A Vision for Expanding Karate to Grassroots India
Expressing his commitment to the mission, Dr. Pankaj Shukla shared:
“Karate is more than just a sport—it is a way of life that instills self-belief, discipline, and leadership in young people. My vision is to take karate to every village, every school, and every youth, aligning with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ and ‘Khelo India’ initiatives at the grassroots level.”
Empowering Women Through Self-Defense Initiatives
Dr. Shukla is also the architect behind ‘Shringar Bane Hathiyar’ (Make Adornment Your Weapon), a women-centric self-defense campaign that has empowered hundreds of female students and rural women with confidence and security through structured self-defense training.
Strengthening India’s Karate Ecosystem
KAI officials believe that under Dr. Shukla’s leadership, karate will evolve into a national movement, offering athletes expanded opportunities to compete on international platforms while accelerating the development of sports infrastructure in rural India.
A Milestone for Karate, Rural Development & Youth Empowerment
Dr. Pankaj Shukla’s appointment represents a defining moment for karate’s growth in India, reinforcing the interconnection between sports, rural development, youth empowerment, and women’s safety initiatives.
