Jamshedpur, March 21: Bureaucrat Nitin Madan Kulkarni has just added another colour to his belt.

Karate enthusiast Kulkarni is set to become the first IAS officer from Jharkhand to boast the coveted Black Belt (1st Dan) when he receives it next month from Katsuyuki Fukatoshi, a Japanese karate master and a Black Belt (10th Dan).

Kulkarni, a 1995 batch officer, developed a keen interest in karate a couple of years ago when he was deputy commissioner of East Singhbhum. Learning the art to keep fit rather than getting seriously involved in the sport, Kulkarni nevertheless picked it up well while training at Keenan Stadium.

“He is a quick learner and is now eligible for a Black Belt degree,” said Sensei L. Nageshwar Rao, chief instructor of All India Goju Ryu Karate Do-Federation (AIGRKF), who trained him.

Kulkarni, a Brown Belt at present, is obviously happy with his promotion. “I'm happy to be selected for the honour,” he said.

Speaking to The Telegraph over phone from Ranchi, a modest Kulkarni said he actually didn’t deserve the Black Belt at this stage as he still needed to learn several things about karate. “But I accept the degree in all humility,” he added.

According to the officer, he can hardly spare time for karate these days as he remains caught up looking after four departments _ he is commissioner (transport), mission director of National Rural Health Mission, project director (AIDS) and special secretary, health.

“I love karate. But work has left me with little time. For me, karate is about self-defence and a tool to keep myself fit. In fact, I took to this sport keeping these aspects in mind,” said the bespectacled civil servant, said.

That Kulkarni was a fitness fanatic was evident during his stint as deputy commissioner here. After clearing files and holding meetings, his evenings were generally reserved for the JRD Tata Sports Complex — jogging and working out at the gym. He also played badminton regularly at the Mohun Ahuja Stadium.

Sensei Rao, who also heads the state karate association, said Fukatoshi would be dropping anchor in Jamshedpur on April 20. “The master has a packed programme. Besides conducting a seminar on April 21, he will witness an international tournament to be held under the federation’s banner on the following two days,” he added.