TEXAS, United States of America, Apr 6 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka-born karate athlete Manmitha Jinasena delivered a powerful performance to win three medals at the USA Junior International Cup and the USA Open Championship 2026, held at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas, USA last week.
Representing Senshi Karate Do in Maryland, Jinasena competed against top junior athletes and produced a clinical display to secure a silver medal in kata and a bronze medal in kumite at the USA Junior International Cup. She continued her fine form at the USA Open Championship 2026, claiming another bronze medal in kata to complete a rich medal haul.
Jinasena showed strong technical control and discipline throughout the tournaments, standing out among a highly competitive international field. Her ability to maintain balance, timing and precision in kata, along with sharp attacking skills in kumite, played a key role in her success.
These latest achievements further strengthen her reputation as a consistent performer on the global stage. She had earlier emerged as a champion at the USA National Championships in kata in both 2024 and 2025, while also winning titles at the Sri Lanka National Karate Championship.
Her journey reflects steady progress and dedication. Having started karate in Sri Lanka, Jinasena moved to the United States at the age of 13 for higher studies. Within just three years, she made a strong impact by winning medals at both national and state-level competitions.
A student of Seneca Valley High School in Maryland, Jinasena continues to rise as a promising international karate talent. With her recent success in Texas, she has firmly established herself as a formidable competitor, bringing pride to her club Senshi Karate Do and setting her sights on greater achievements ahead.
In a touching personal note, Jinasena is also the granddaughter of late legendary Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka. Family sources say that if she were alive today, she would have been immensely proud to witness her granddaughter’s achievements, especially as she herself had a keen interest in karate.
