Muscat, Oman: Indian karateka Zaara Vasim Assadi emerged as the standout performer at the International Karate Open Championship held as part of the Muscat Night Festival, clinching four gold medals in a remarkable display of skill and consistency.

The prestigious tournament saw participation from around 400 athletes representing 24 clubs across multiple countries. Amid intense competition, Zaara, aged just 10, created history by becoming the only girl at the championship to secure gold in all four categories she competed in individual Kata, individual Kumite, team Kata, and team Kumite.

Zaara’s achievement adds to her already impressive record. She has remained undefeated in Kata since the age of five, underlining her long-standing dominance in the discipline. Her performances were widely praised for technical precision, discipline, and composure well beyond her age.

Training at The Champ Sports & Arts in Muscat, Zaara’s journey has become a source of inspiration for young martial artists, reinforcing the idea that dedication and passion can overcome age-related barriers in competitive sport.

The championship also served as a platform for cultural exchange, bringing together athletes and spectators from diverse backgrounds and celebrating the unifying spirit of karate.

Zaara Vasim Assadi is the daughter of Vasim Assadi and Hasra Sana and hails from Udupi. She is the granddaughter of Zikriya Assadi.

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Shimla (PTI): Three people have been arrested for allegedly murdering a Buddhist woman monk in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh nearly a month ago, police said on Friday.

The accused -- Gagan Sharma (23), Vishal (23) and Gaurav Sharma (20), all residents of Mandi -- were arrested on Thursday night, police said.

According to police, the 78-year-old Buddhist woman monk, Orje Shoki, was found murdered in a cave near Sarkidhar village, following which a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to nab the accused.

Mandi Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar said that during the investigation, more than 50 suspects were questioned and DNA samples of several suspects were also collected.

After a detailed investigation, the accused were arrested from different locations on Thursday night, he said.

Kumar said all the accused are drug addicts and they committed the crime with the intention of looting the victim, so that they could buy drugs.

Efforts are on to nab two more accused wanted in the case. They will be put behind bars soon, the SP said.