Jorhat, Assam: Seventeen-year-old Janmoni Kunwar from Assam’s Jorhat district has achieved a remarkable sporting feat despite facing severe financial hardship after a devastating flood swept away her family home.
A resident of Bhogdoiporia village, Janmoni won a gold medal in the Ashihara category at the National Karate Championship held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from August 7 to 9.
But when she returned home with her medal, her family was still living in a tent on an embankment, having lost their house to the floods just weeks earlier.
Flood Destroyed Family Home
Janmoni’s family home was washed away on July 19 after a breach developed in an embankment around 150 metres from their house.
Floodwater entered the village, destroying the family’s home and severely damaging their fish farming business, which had been an important source of income.
Several chickens and ducks were swept away, while the family had to move its buffaloes to a safer location.
The family had been involved in fish farming for nearly three years and had planned to use income from selling fish to finance Janmoni’s trip to Delhi for the national championship.
Family Struggled to Fund Her Championship Trip
Janmoni’s elder brother, Krishnamoni Kunwar, said the family had hoped to pay for the competition expenses by selling fish.
The flood destroyed those plans and left the family struggling to meet even its basic needs.
Despite the setback, Janmoni remained determined to continue her karate journey.
Started Karate Training at Just Five
Janmoni began training in karate when she was only five years old.
Over the years, she has steadily built a reputation in the sport and has already competed successfully at the national level.
Her family has made significant sacrifices to support her sporting career. At one point, they reportedly sold two buffaloes to help cover expenses related to her training and competitions.
Janmoni won a bronze medal in 2023 before going on to win gold in 2025.
Continued Practising While Living on Embankment
Even after losing their home in the latest flood, Janmoni refused to give up her training.
She continued practising while living with her family on the embankment.
Travelling to Delhi for the national championship was itself a major challenge because of the family’s financial difficulties and transportation problems.
Despite all these obstacles, Janmoni eventually made it to the competition—and returned with a national gold medal.
Support Arrived When the Family Needed It Most
Janmoni’s circumstances eventually came to the attention of a company founder, who stepped forward to help.
The founder reportedly covered the team’s travel and accommodation expenses, making it possible for Janmoni to participate in the championship.
Her family also received ₹3 lakh in financial assistance.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita reportedly provided an additional ₹10,000 in support.
The assistance has provided some relief to the family as it continues to recover from the devastating flood.
Gold Medal Brings Pride Amid Difficult Times
After arriving at Dibrugarh airport on Monday, Janmoni travelled directly to her village with the gold medal.
Her achievement has brought immense pride to her family and community at a time when they are still struggling to rebuild their lives.
According to relatives, the family may have to continue living on the embankment until November.
Janmoni Dreams of Competing at Higher Levels
Janmoni is currently a Class 12 student and hopes to continue her karate career and compete at higher levels.
Her journey from a flood-hit village to a national championship gold medal highlights her determination and the sacrifices made by her family to support her sporting ambitions.
Janmoni’s story is not just about winning a gold medal—it is about continuing to chase a dream even after losing almost everything.
