Sabah holds first Shotokan Open Karate Championship
KOTA KINABALU: Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia took part in the First Shotokan Open Karate Championship Sabah 2024 here recently.
The event united 15 teams from Sabah and Sarawak, with notable representations from Sekolah Sukan Brunei and Sarawak State Sports Council. Over 1,000 paticipants and spectators gathered at the Institut Latihan Perindastrian (ILP) in Sepanggar to witness the thrilling two-day event organised by the Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS).
The championship showcased a range of events, from U13 to U21 categories, adhering to the World Karate Federation (WKF) 2024 rules, providing competitors with an authentic championship experience.
The introduction of nonsanctioned events such as mixed DUO and mixed team kumite added a fresh and popular dimension to the championship.
SKAS president Simon Chia highlighted SKAS’s pioneering efforts in introducing online registration via SportsData and implementing WKF rules, setting a precedent for future tournaments.
“We aim to immerse our participants in the atmosphere of a competitive overseas championship, preparing them for upcoming tournaments,” said Simon.
“By flying in technical officers from Selangor and a chief referee from Indonesia, we underscore our commitment to providing the best for our karatekas,” he said.
This event holds significant benefits for all associations and club practitioners in the region, promoting inclusivity and collaboration among karate enthusiasts. Supported by the Sabah State Sports Council, Sabah State Education
Department and the Consulate of Japan, the championship aimed to foster camaraderie and skill development among karate practitioners.
The presence of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Machdaniar Nisfah, during the final day underscored the international significance of the championship, leading to productive discussions and an invitation to further dialogue at the Consulate General of the
Republic of Indonesia.
During the event, Director of ILP, Ts. Sudirman bin Hammade, presented medals to the medallists and expressed his desire for continued collaboration between SKAS and ILP.
Simon also announced the upcoming 1st Women Karate Open Sabah 2024 and invited continued participation and support from the karate community.