Mysuru: The National-level Karate Championship organised by Naga Martial Arts Academy was held at Chamundi Vihar Indoor Stadium here yesterday. More than 500 karatekas participated in the championship.

The Academy felicitated achievers from various fields —  retired Maharaja’s College Professor Vasanthamma, International Wrestling Coach Dr. K. Vinod Kumar, social worker J.C. Veeraraje Urs, artist Manjunath and karateka Lokesh.

Inaugurating the championship, MLC K. Shivakumar said sports tournaments should be organised on a continuous basis to encourage more participation. “Sports help students to increase concentration along with enhancing fitness level. This apart, learning karate helps during self-defence,” he added.

Former Corporator Jagadish, Chief Referee Dominic Savio, Referee Association President N.G. Shivadas, Naga Martial Arts Academy Founder Sosale Siddaraju and others were present.