Nepali karate team — led by 11th South Asian Games gold medallist Vinod Shakya — earned a historic achievement in the International Open Championship held in England's Leicester from September 22 and 23.

In a tournament organised by British Karate Federation, Sonam Lama claimed a 60kg bronze medal. Later, Shakya-led team earned a historic silver medal in the team fight. Shakya's team consisted of Lama and Biplav Lal Shrestha.

Shakya was representing the Nepali team as coach-cum-player. On his way to 60kg bronze, Sonam had defeated England karateka but he went on to lose to a Scottish player in his next fight.

Nepali referee Srijana Adhikari was also adjudged the best referee of the tournament. The tournament was participated in by players from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Brazil, Portugal and Finland.

Meanwhile, Nepal National and International Players' Association (NNIPA) England honoured the Nepali players for their achievement. NNIPA England President Siddhartha Bikram Chhetri said it was a great feat for Nepal to win medal at a difficult playing field in the United Kingdom.