INARUWA, JULY 4 A provincial-level karate championship kicked off in Inaruwa on Friday, bringing together athletes from nine districts of Koshi Province as officials unveiled plans to introduce a franchise-based karate league. Organised by the Nepal Karate Federation, Sunsari, in coordination with the Koshi Province Sports Development Board, the two-day tournament features competitors from Sunsari, Morang, Jhapa, Dhankuta, Udayapur, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Ilam and Khotang. The competition includes men's and women's individual kata and kumite events across weight categories ranging from 45 kg to 75 kg, with the finals scheduled for Saturday. Inaugurating the event, Sports Development Board Member Secretary Biplab Ghosh said the province was committed to professionalising karate and was preparing to launch franchise-based competitions to raise the sport's standard. He also pledged to minimise political interference in sports administration and prioritise the development of athletes and coaches. Ghosh said the tournament was dedicated to the memory of late karate pioneer Hom Bahadur Rana Magar and aimed to inspire the next generation of martial artists. Organisers said the championship would help identify emerging talent and prepare athletes for national and international competitions.