SOUTH ASIA REGIONAL HUB · 南アジア
The largest karate region by membership. 8 national federations, 4,100+ dojos, 63,000+ athletes.
8
Countries
4,125
Total Dojos
63,930
Total Members
40+
Events in 2024
South Asia is the world's fastest-growing karate region. India alone has over 42,000 registered members and sends delegations to every major international event. The region spans eight countries with a collective history of karate practice dating from the 1960s when the first Japanese instructors visited the subcontinent.
The dominant style across the region is Shotokan, though Goju-ryu and Wado-ryu communities are growing in India's southern states and Sri Lanka respectively. Regional governance is coordinated through national federations affiliated with the global federation structure.
India accounts for 67% of the region's registered membership. The national championship draws 600+ athletes annually. Indian athletes have won medals at every major international event since 2010.
Bangladesh and Nepal have doubled their registered dojos since 2018. Youth participation is particularly strong in urban centres of both countries, driven by sports policy investment.