Shaheen Akhtar is the only Indian woman appointed as the officiating referee at the 2026 Asian Games

Renowned karateka and International Technical Official (ITO) from Mumbai, Shaheen Akhtar has bagged another historic honor. She is the only Indian woman to serve as an officiating referee (ITO) at the 20th Asian Games 2026 to be held in Japan in September. Earlier she also made history as the first and only Indian woman ITO at the 19th Asian Games held in China. Former national champion and 8th degree black belt Shaheen Akhtar also holds the distinction of being the highest and most qualified woman referee of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and Asian Karate Federation (AKF) in India and South Asia. She is the country's senior-most female karateka and has represented and served India internationally as both an athlete and a referee. Shaheen Akhtar represented India as an athlete at the 2008 Commonwealth Championships in Scotland and the World Championships in Tokyo. He won the state title for six consecutive years and the national title for four consecutive years. His illustrious career has spanned the World and Asian Championships, Premier League, Youth League, Commonwealth and South Asian Championships.
As a result of forty-five years of continuous practice, hard work and commitment to the sport, Shaheen Akhtar has achieved a unique position in Indian Karate. He was awarded a bronze pin in recognition of completing a decade as a referee with the WKF during the World Championships held in Chile in October 2019. She is also a former member of the WKF Women's Sports Commission. Expressing gratitude for her recent recognition, Shaheen Akhtar said that she hopes her journey will inspire the youth, especially girls, to take up karate as a serious and prestigious career. He said India has immense and untapped potential and many young players are waiting for opportunities to showcase their talent. According to him, this honor will further strengthen his determination to dedicate his life to the sport of karate. After the Asian Games, Shaheen Akhtar will serve as a referee in the WKF Series A Championship to be held in Australia, while his international journey will continue until the World Championship in Poland in October. Shaheen Akhtar is also providing training to young athletes through his SAMA (Shaheen's Academy of Martial Arts). His academy is affiliated to the Karate India Organization (KIO). Sports circles believe that the services of an experienced, talented and dedicated person like Shaheen Akhtar is crucial to bring the true talent of karate from India to the world stage.