P. Nobin Jomoh in Pasighat on Tuesday. Picture by Pranab Kr Das

Tezpur, Jan. 23: Arunachal Pradesh karateka P. Nobin Jomoh is going to lead the Indian contingent to the 2nd International Karate Open Championship to be held at Al Ahli Club Sports Complex in Dubai from January 31 to February 2.

The Nino Youth Welfare Society (NYWS) of Pasighat in East Siang district felicitated him yesterday.

The NYWS said his achievement was a matter of pride for the Nino clan and also a source of inspiration for the younger generation in the state.

The NYWS, headed by its president Baity Jamoh, presented him with an undisclosed amount of cash, raised as contribution from the members of Nino society, to meet his travel expenses.

The society sought government assistance to meet the expenses for Jomoh’s next foreign trip to represent India in the above-84kg men’s individual kumite event in 4th Asia Karate Cup in Kuala Lumpur next month, as well as for his pre-championship coaching.

Impressed by the achievement, Arunachal education minister Bosiram Siram said, “One should have a dream and passion in life. I am hopeful that Jomoh will bring more laurels in the future and his performance will surely inspire the budding players in the state.”

The 24-year-old Jomoh lost his parents at a tender age and grew up in an impoverished family.

He completed his graduation in the humanities, despite financial constraints and won his first gold medal at the age of 15 in a state-level competition.

He was honoured with the coveted state award during the 65th Independence Day celebrations in 2011.

Jomoh has already topped and shone in events abroad several times and bagged dozens of gold and silver medals in national and international meets.