Sabah karatekas seek honours in Perak
KOTA KINABALU: Exponents of the Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) are vying for honours at the 28th National Cadet, Junior and Under-21 Karate Championships which is happening in Perak this weekend.
SKAS president Simon Chia said three karatekas will be representing the association in the three-day championship to be held at Kolej Sains Kesihatan in Ulu Kinta, Ipoh.
“Competing for SKAS in this pre-SUKMA (Malaysia Games) championship are Liew Le Yuong, Lester Chong Zhi Xuan and Mohammad Nor Irfan Azwan Inggong.
“Liew will be competing in the Cadet Male Individual Kata, while Lester will vie in the Male Individual Kata and Irfan in the Junior Male Individual Kumite (-68kg),” said Simon. On medal expectations, Simon said SKAS’ participation was aimed more towards giving their athletes exposure rather than winning medals.
“Our aim is to give them exposure and opportunity to gain experience at a national level tournament. Those participating will find it useful to add to the athlete’s academic CV. We are looking forward to send a bigger contingent next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Simon thanked the athletes and their parents for their continued support while expressing hopes that more athletes could compete in high level competitions to gain valuable experience in future.
“Many couldn’t make it due to lack of financial support but we understand their situation and we hope they understand ours. We try our best to assist them to join these championships,” he said.