Kolkata: Bipasha Paul, a Class 11 student of The Heritage School, Kolkata, has won the Gold Medal in the Senior Women’s Kata category at the 12th Commonwealth Karate Championship 2026, held in Glasgow, Scotland, and brought home a moment of pride for West Bengal and for India.
Bipasha fought through five demanding rounds, defeating some of the Commonwealth’s finest karatekas, including internationally ranked athletes, to stand on top of the podium.
The journey that makes it sweeter
Bipasha’s story is as inspiring as the medal itself. She had earlier won a Bronze in the Junior category, and now she has risen to the very top of the Senior category. It is proof that steady effort, discipline and belief can take a young athlete from bronze to gold.
The guiding force behind the gold
Her coach and mentor, Hanshi Premjeet Sen, is one of India’s most experienced karate coaches and has been preparing international-level athletes for decades. His training goes beyond technique, with an emphasis on discipline, mental strength, self-belief, strategy and the psychological resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
In an interesting twist, Hanshi Sen was serving as an international referee at the championship, so he could not stand beside Bipasha during her bouts. Yet years of preparation carried her confidently through every round.
“My coach is always with me. He scolds me when I make mistakes, loves me like family, and trains me every day to be stronger. He prepared me to face world-ranked players with confidence,” said Bipasha Paul.
“I am extremely proud of Bipasha and her superb performance. Defeating internationally ranked players and winning gold at the senior level is a big achievement. It shows that Indian athletes have the talent, courage and capability to defeat the best in the world,” said Hanshi Premjeet Sen.
What The Heritage School says
“What a moment for The Heritage School! Bipasha has shown us that age is no barrier to greatness. Going from a junior bronze to a senior gold on the world stage takes courage, discipline and a heart that refuses to give up. We are so proud of her, and we thank her coach and family for standing behind her. We wish her many more victories,” said Ms. Seema Sapru, Principal, The Heritage School.
“Bipasha’s victory in Glasgow is a reminder of what happens when talent meets hard work and the right guidance. She has made Kolkata, West Bengal and the entire Heritage family proud. At Heritage, we will always back our young champions as they chase their dreams,” said Mr. Pradip Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, Heritage.
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