Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday, 19 July 2026, congratulated Sonam Zomba on becoming the first-ever Karma Fight League (KFL) World Strawweight Champion, calling her 'Bharat Ki Beti' and praising her victory over Sri Lanka's Chathuri Siriwardana.

Context

Sonam Zomba, an athlete from Arunachal Pradesh, defeated Chathuri Siriwardana of Sri Lanka to claim the inaugural Karma Fight League World Strawweight title belt — a milestone in Indian women's combat sports. Chief Minister Khandu took to X to publicly celebrate the feat, writing: 'She went in, fought hard, and came out with the title belt defeating Sri Lanka's Chathuri Siriwardana. That's what winners do.'

The win marks a significant moment for Northeast India, a region that has steadily produced internationally competitive combat sports and martial arts athletes over the past decade.

Policy Backdrop

India's Khelo India programme, launched in 2017, has been a key instrument for identifying and nurturing grassroots sporting talent, including women athletes from states such as Arunachal Pradesh. The programme has channelled funding and institutional support toward contact sports disciplines at the state level.

Northeast India has benefited from increased attention under sports development initiatives, with fighters and martial artists from the region gaining visibility on national and international platforms. Zomba's title win is consistent with this broader upward trajectory.

Stakeholders and Impact

The victory carries symbolic weight for women athletes in Arunachal Pradesh and across Northeast India, demonstrating that fighters from the region can compete and win at the world level in organised combat sports promotions. CM Khandu's public endorsement amplifies the achievement to a wider national audience.

For the Karma Fight League, the bout adds credibility to its world title programme, having drawn competitors from multiple countries including Sri Lanka. Sonam Zomba's win is expected to inspire the next generation of women combat sports athletes in the state.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to Zomba's subsequent title defences and whether state sports authorities in Arunachal Pradesh announce additional support or recognition for the new champion. Upcoming Khelo India events and national games could provide further platforms for athletes from the state to build on this momentum.

Chief Minister Khandu closed his post with a call for continued glory: 'Wishing you many more victories as you continue to bring glory to Bharat. Jai Hind!' — signalling that the state government intends to keep women's sporting achievements in the public spotlight.