In a proud moment for the nation and the community, 19-year-old Ufrina Poonawalla delivered a knockout performance on the global stage, clinching two gold medals for India at the US Open and Junior International Karate Championship 2025, held in Las Vegas, from 19^th – 21^st April, 2025. Representing Team India, Ufrina topped both tourneys – Kata and Kumite. Ufrina trains under Sensei Bahram Kapadia, Keuree Ganatra and Hanshi Vispy Kapadia, at the All-India Okinawa Gojuryu Kenpoukai Kenbukan Karate-Do.

In addition to being a martial arts prodigy, Ufrina is also an all-rounder, having represented Mumbai in football at the District and State levels, as also excelled in elocution, drama and dance, and scored a stellar 96.8% in the ICSE Boards! While football once led her path, it’s karate that’s claimed her heart… and she’s made meteoric progress since she took it up in college.

Kudos to Ufrina’s achievements, which bear testament to her resilience and dedication! Here’s wishing her many more milestones in the future!

[Courtesy: Kerfegar Eduljee]