Assam Teen Wins National Karate Gold as Flood-Hit Family Lives in Tent

Seventeen-year-old Janmoni Kunwar from Assam's Jorhat district has achieved a remarkable sporting success despite facing severe hardships at home. Janmoni won a gold medal in the Ashihara category at the National Karate Championship held in New Delhi.

Her achievement becomes even more significant because, while she was competing at the national level, her family was struggling to survive after losing their home in the devastating floods that hit their village last month.

Janmoni belongs to Bhogdoiporia village in Jorhat district. She competed in the championship held from August 7 to 9 at Talkatora Indoor Stadium and returned home on Monday with a national gold medal.

Family Home Was Washed Away in Floods

The family was forced to leave their home after floodwaters entered the area on July 19. An embankment located around 150 metres from their house reportedly broke, causing floodwater to enter the village.

The disaster damaged both the family's home and their source of livelihood. Their fish-farming area was completely destroyed. Ducks and chickens were swept away by the floodwaters, while the family's buffaloes had to be moved to a safer location.

Janmoni's elder brother Krishnamoni Kunwar said the family had planned to sell their fish stock to finance Janmoni's trip to Delhi. The family had been involved in fish farming for nearly three years and hoped that the sale would cover the expenses related to her participation in the championship.

However, the floods destroyed that plan along with much of the family's livelihood.

Family Sold Buffaloes to Support Her Karate Journey

Janmoni started learning karate when she was only five years old. Her family has made significant sacrifices to support her sporting career.

At one point, the family sold two buffaloes to help pay for her participation in karate competitions. Despite limited training facilities and financial difficulties, Janmoni continued to practise and compete.

She won a bronze medal in 2023 and a gold medal in 2025. She was preparing for this year's national championship when the floods struck her area.

The disaster not only displaced her family but also created serious financial difficulties just before the competition.

Reaching Delhi Became a Major Challenge

With the family displaced and transportation services affected by the floods, sending Janmoni to Delhi became a major challenge.

The family was not in a position to bear the cost of travel and accommodation. During this difficult period, the founder of a company who was visiting flood-affected areas in Assam learned about Janmoni's situation and decided to help.

The founder supported the travel, return journey and accommodation expenses of Janmoni and her team. The family was also provided *Rs 3 lakh in financial assistance*.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita also provided *Rs 10,000* in financial assistance.

With this support, Janmoni was eventually able to travel to Delhi and participate in the national championship. She returned with the gold medal.

Training Continued Even After Displacement

Janmoni's story is not only about winning a medal. It is also about continuing to work towards a goal despite extraordinary circumstances.

After the family was displaced and forced to live in a tent near the embankment, Janmoni did not stop her karate training. There were no proper training facilities available to her, while her family was struggling with the loss of their home and livelihood.

Despite these difficulties, she continued practising and eventually competed at the national level.

On Monday, Janmoni arrived at Dibrugarh airport and travelled directly towards her flood-affected village with her medal.

Family May Have to Stay Near Embankment Until November

The family's difficulties have not ended with Janmoni's victory. They are still living near the embankment because their home has been destroyed.

According to her brother Krishnamoni, the family may have to remain there until November before they can seriously consider returning home.

The family now faces the difficult task of rebuilding both their house and their livelihood. Their fish-farming activity was destroyed by the floods, while their livestock and poultry also suffered heavy losses.

Janmoni Wants to Continue Her Karate Career

Janmoni is currently a Class 12 student and wants to continue building a career in karate. Her national gold medal has strengthened her ambition to compete at higher levels and represent Assam and India in the future.

Her victory has come at a particularly difficult time for her family. While they are still trying to recover from the destruction caused by the floods, Janmoni's achievement has given them a reason to celebrate and hope.

The floods may have taken away the family's home and livelihood, but they did not stop Janmoni from pursuing her dream. Her journey from practising in difficult conditions to winning a national gold medal has become a powerful story of determination, sacrifice and resilience.