Flood-displaced Jorhat teen wins national karate gold with help from Physics Wallah founder

Janmoni Konwar, a 17-year-old from Jorhat, Assam, won gold at the 20th All India Independence Cup Karate Championship in New Delhi on August 8, weeks after losing her home to floods. Her family had been living in a tent by the roadside since July 19, when floodwaters submerged their house in Bhogdoiporia Gaon.

With training facilities destroyed, Janmoni practised on the road. Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey met her on August 3 and offered to cover her expenses for the competition. She travelled to Delhi on August 8 and won gold in the Ashihara category.

Following her achievement, DK Mittal, executive director of the Sports Authority of India Regional Centre in Guwahati, offered Janmoni a place at the SAI Training Centre in Shillong. She has accepted and aims to qualify for the Olympics.