In a powerful step toward merging rural empowerment with national sports development, the Karate Association of India (KAI) has appointed Dr Pankaj Shukla as its National Vice President. The announcement, made in New Delhi and formalized under official reference KAI/APP/25/04, reflects a major shift in strategy—bringing India’s villages to the center of its martial arts revival.
Dr Shukla, an acclaimed social entrepreneur and architect of the women’s self-defense initiative Shringar Bane Hathiyar, brings over two decades of grassroots leadership through his work with Gramya and the Association for Sustainable Rural Empowerment (ASRE). His appointment comes at a time when KAI is expanding its focus beyond competitive sport to become a force for inclusive development.
KAI, operating under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, plays a key role in implementing national missions like Fit India and Khelo India. With certified national championships and international representation under its belt, the organization is now setting its sights on creating a deeper impact through structural reforms and grassroots integration.
Speaking from New Delhi, Shri Baikunth Singh, President of KAI, stated, “Dr. Shukla’s proven ability to transform grassroots communities aligns perfectly with our mission to make karate a vehicle for national development. His appointment marks a strategic leap in bringing martial arts to India’s heartland.”
Shri Yogesh Kalra, Secretary General of KAI, added, “We’re not just gaining an administrator, but a movement-builder. Dr. Shukla’s Samriddh Gram, Samriddh Bharat campaign blueprint will revolutionize how we scale karate in aspirational districts.”
Dr Shukla has already laid out a bold roadmap for change. After receiving his official letter of appointment, Dr Pankaj Shukla said, “Karate transcends sport—it’s about forging disciplined leaders for New India. We’ll weaponize this art form to empower women and unlock rural potential.”
Under his leadership, three core strategic priorities have been identified as the foundation of this new chapter for KAI: Dr Shukla plans to launch 500 village karate hubs by 2027, offering structured training to youth in underserved regions. His celebrated Shringar Bane Hathiyar initiative will be scaled to reach 1 million female beneficiaries, transforming martial arts into a mainstream self-defense movement for women. Additionally, a comprehensive policy integration plan will align with Fit India and Khelo India through the introduction of karate curricula in schools across 10 states, and the establishment of a national rural talent scouting network to identify and mentor emerging athletes.
KAI officials believe Dr Shukla’s arrival will usher in a movement that redefines karate not just as a competitive discipline, but as a tool of social transformation. His presence at the helm of the rural and women’s empowerment verticals is expected to elevate India’s global standing in martial arts, while embedding strength, discipline, and confidence in the next generation.
As the nation charts its path toward becoming a sporting powerhouse, the synergy between martial skill and social mission under Dr Shukla’s leadership is set to ignite a rural revolution—one kick, one village, and one empowered citizen at a time.