Shotokan Karate seven to do battle at Philippines karate tourney
KOTA KINABALU: Seven Sabahan exponents are vying for honours at the Manuel Veguillas International Memorial Karate Cup tournament which is happening at SM Mall of Asia in Bay City, Pasay, Philippines, this weekend.
The athletes representing the state are from Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah.
Its president Simon Chia said the tournament will be to gauge the competency and readiness of SKAS athletes for other competitions this year.
“This is the first competition this year and based on preparation, it will be Leon Liew Le Yuong who carries our medal hopes for this outing. He competes in the Cadet Individual Kata 1415 years.
“For the other newer athletes, we expect them to bring good challenges and ultimately gain some experience,” he said.
Chia said another exponent Suzi Allen Marcus is also expected to give a good fight. Suzi, 37, will compete in the Women's Individual Kata Open. She has continued her training under a Singaporean coach after moving to the republic on work commitments, recently.
Meanwhile, Chia revealed that SKAS were forced to compete in outside tournaments after organisers of local competitions refused their participation.
“We tried to compete in local championships, but our requests were not entertained so we had no choice but to participate in the overseas arena,” he said.
The squad of seven led by Simon also includes Zoeanna Zuntivia Joibi (Women's Senior Individual Kumite, 61kg), Lester Chong Zhi Xuan (Cadet Individual Kata and Kumite, -52kg 14-15), Vanessa Zeulyn Joibi (Individual Kumite, +59kg), Sylvianne Albert Labansin (Individual Kumite, 14-15) and Andryan Chong Sze Hoong (Boys' Individual Kumite, 10-11).
The team departed for the competition venue two days ago.