KUCHING: Some 400 karatekas including from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Iran are here to participate in the Kuching Unity Karate Championships at the Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya here starting today.
The president of Asahi Karate-Do Kuching Hussin Osman said the event is to showcase the sport of karate to the rest of Malaysia and that Sarawak indeed can organise this level of competition, which is almost of Asia standard.
He said they have invited the best from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah to the three-day championship.
In terms of officials, Hussin said they have world and Asia level referees led by Sensei Loh Beng Hooi and Thiagu Ponniyah with other 40 referees and judges at various levels.
“This is also to expose the local karatekas to Indonesia, Philippines, Iran and the rest of Malaysia.
“We have some 400 entries for this weekend and it will be a good show and we are preparing for next year to have the KOI World Cup in Kuching again,” said Hussin.
Competition starts today with the veteran, kobudo and senior categories.
The junior and cadet categories will be held on Saturday.
The competition for the boys, girls and finals will be held on Sunday to be followed by the prize giving ceremony.
On Thursday the officials and participants were feted to a welcoming dinner at a local hotel here.
