SKAS target over 500 karatekas competing

Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) are targeting more than 500 entries for the 2nd SKAS Open Karate Championships which is happening here next month.

SKAS president Simon Chia said the two-day event slated for September 7-8 at 1Borneo Hypermall would contest a total of 79 events in various categories.

He said that based on the success of the inaugural edition, which attracted over 300 participants from 13 teams, this year's championship was expected to see more entries with numbers close to double that of the previous year.

And by virtue of being a grassroots championship, Simon said they were also doubling their efforts to ensure the best preparation for the tournament proper.

“This event also has the honour of being the grassroots championship where many of our national athletes have gained their early years of experience.

“It is the championship that is aimed at nurturing young athletes, defining their talents and making them stand out as outstanding athletes at national level and this is the foundation to become a national karate exponent,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The championship this year, which is themed ‘From Redemption to Glory' will feature a total of nine kumite categories including senior (18 and above), junior (Under-17), cadet (U-15), U-14, U-12, U-10 and U-8. There is also a veteran category for 40 and above and a mixed team category.

In addition to kumite events are nine kata categories as well as three team kata events for cadet, junior and senior categories.

Towards this end, Simon said SKAS were banking on the continued support of sponsors and other bodies for another successful staging of their annual championship.

“I would like to express in advance our thanks and appreciation to everybody that supported us last year, who are sticking beside us again for this year's championship and of course to those who are joining us for the first time.

“Your support means very much to us and we hope the synergy we have established would continue for future editions to come,” he said.

Simon (centre) together with 1Borneo Hypermall Manager Kevin Lim (third left) and Grand Borneo Hotel sales and marketing director Vincent Paulos during a promotion campaign for the 2nd SKAS Open Karate Championship.