3RD CAPTAINS CUP, KOLKATA - 2024

The 3rd Captains Cup 2024, held from August 15th to 24th, marked a significant milestone in the landscape of martial arts in West Bengal. As the third edition of the "Unified West Bengal State Martial Arts Championship," the event was a grand celebration of discipline, skill, and the warrior spirit. Spanning three venues—Scouts Hall in Bhowanipore and Mike's Martial Arts on Sarat Bose Road in Kolkata, and Kalyani Town Club in Kalyani—the championship brought together martial artists from across the state, competing in a range of disciplines that showcased the depth and diversity of martial arts.

A Multi-Disciplinary Showcase

The competition was divided into four main martial arts disciplines and yoga, each held on a separate day to ensure the integrity and focus of each event. 

• August 15th: The championship kicked off with the Kata and Team Kata events, where participants demonstrated their precision, timing, and technical prowess.

• August 16th: The spotlight shifted to Kickboxing, a high-energy event that thrilled spectators with its fast-paced action and tactical intensity.

• August 17th: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling took center stage, with the Bengal Grappling Association lending their expertise in refereeing and event management. The day was a test of endurance, strategy, and ground-fighting skills.

• August 18th: The final martial arts event was the Kyokushin Full Contact Kumite, where competitors displayed their strength, resilience, and fighting spirit in full-contact bouts.

• August 24th: Yoga competition was held at Kalyani, West Bengal. This event saw a wide range of competitors from both genders who gave it their best.

Each day saw between 50 to 150 participants, highlighting the growing popularity of martial arts in the region. The complexity of managing such a diverse range of disciplines, each with its own unique rules and requirements, was deftly handled by the National Combat Sports Federation, whose professionalism ensured the smooth running of the championship.

Opening Ceremony: A Patriotic Start

The opening ceremony on August 15th coincided with India's Independence Day, adding a patriotic fervour to the event. Teams lined up proudly under the national Tri-Colour, singing the National Anthem in unison. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Asim Kr. Bose, Councillor of Ward 70, who inaugurated the event and set the tone for the intense competition that was to follow.

Intense Competition and Memorable Victories

The following days were a spectacle of determination, skill, and sportsmanship as participants and clubs battled for supremacy. The last day of the championship, August 24th, was dedicated to a yoga competition, a peaceful and calming conclusion to the high-octane martial arts events. The yoga competition was inclusive, with participants ranging in age from under 20 to over 80, showcasing the timeless and ageless appeal of the practice.

In total, 14 academies from across West Bengal participated in the championship, each bringing their best fighters to the fore. The top spot was claimed by Mike's Martial Arts, Kolkata, whose consistent performance across events set them apart. Auralyfe Advanced Karate and Yoga, also from Kolkata, secured the second position, while Anbu’s Combat Club from Darjeeling District took third place. It is important to note here that Anbu’s Combat Club won this coveted podium finish with only six participants who competed across the various combat sports categories. 

Individual Brilliance

The championship also recognized individual excellence. Bishal Chatterjee from Anbu's Combat Club was awarded the Best Fighter trophy, winning three gold medals in the process. The runners-up trophy went to Shreeyash Goel from Mike’s Martial Arts, also with three gold medals, while Gautam Vishwakarma from Anbu's Combat Club secured the third position.

A Unique Championship in West Bengal

The 3rd Captains Cup 2024 stands out not only for its scale and the diversity of disciplines but also for being the only multi-discipline martial arts championship conducted annually in West Bengal. The event not only highlighted the rich martial arts talent in the state but also reinforced the importance of such platforms in fostering a culture of excellence and mutual respect among practitioners. The addition of yoga in this year’s edition added to the diversity of the event and made the whole championship far more inclusive in terms of age and gender.

As the championship concluded, the echoes of cheering crowds, the energy of the competitions, and the spirit of camaraderie lingered, setting the stage for even greater spectacles in the years to come. The 3rd Captains Cup was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of martial arts in its truest form.

Participating Teams:

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1. Mikes Martial Arts

2. Auralyfe Advanced Karate and Self Defence

3. Dakshin Kalikata Sevasram

4. Anbu's Combat Club

5. Sekai Budo Renmei Kyokushin

6. 360 Degree Sports 

7. Kid's Karate Kharagpur

8. Alpha Fitness & Self Defence

9. Mas Oyama Karate Do Academy

10. Full Contact Martial Arts Academy

11. Raged Karate Academy

12. International Kumite Organization

13. Sonoda Group

14. Kolkata Karate Academy, Kyokushinryu