by Viju Mangalore

Beltangady, Feb 1: A day of joy for the Kanjarpane Ramachandraiah of Beltangady taluk who bagged two awards at the 10th All India Shotocon Karate Tournament-2006.

The tournament which was organised at Trissur, Kerala on Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29 by the Traditional Shotocon Karate Association International gave Ramachandraiah, a black belt karate champ, a tough chance to get the first prize in the open section for men and second prize in the Kata competition in the black belt section.

More than 250 contestants from all over India had participated in the event. But the pride was or Ramachandraiah who was the only member to have represented his taluk.

A resident of Mandantyar won his black belt title in 1996. He is the only coach for body building and swimming in the taluk. Ramachandraiah has more than 10 prizes won at the national championship in his credit and has been on a mission to teach karate training in places of Bantwal and Beltangady.