Karate-loving children of Bandarban’s Mohamuni Shishu Sadan in the Chittagong Hill Tracts have been bringing glory for the institute for over 16 years by winning titles in different prestigious events including the SAF Games.
The residential institute – which is the one of its kind in the district – had won the national championship in karate for consecutive 13 years since its establishment in 1997.
Of the around 200 students at the institute, at least 102 are engaged in taking karate training every day alongside their conventional academic activities.
The school was founded by Father Lupi, an Italian philanthropist who has initiated many schemes across the country, in Sabek Beelchhari under Lama Upazila.
Jo U Pru, an athlete-turn-trainer of the institute, won a number of titles in her career. Apart from graced with the Saarc Gold Medal in 2006, she won gold in 2010 SAF Games and bronze in the event of 2006. She also clinched the title in All India Wado-Kai Karate Championship.
Two other athletes from the institute – And Nai Chak and O Chanu – also won several gold medals in national level competitions.
Their junior fellows have continued to work hard to fulfil their dream of bringing more successes for the school.
But because of fund crunch, the authorities have been facing manifold problems in maintaining the regular academic activities and providing the students with adequate facilities including proper food and clothes.
The current situation has created concern among the students since they think poor quality food would not help them grow as skilled athletes. Their dreams are becoming bleak day by day, according to officials.
Locals say proper patronisation of the government may help increasing quality of sportsmen at the institute.
Moreover, despite having huge contribution in sports and education, the school has never received any funds from the district administration or the district sports council.
Jo U Pru said they had been facing acute financial crisis for the last one year, and now badly needed support of the government – either in terms of education assistance or in sports.
Lama Upazila Chairman Thowai Nu Ong told the Dhaka Tribune that the government should come forward for the betterment of education and sports, especially karate at the Shishu Sadan.
