International karate open championship concludes
The competitions of the second Muscat International Karate Do Academy Open Championship concluded at the Al Amal Sports Club Hall here on Friday.
The event was organised by Muscat International Karate Do Academy and members of the administration of the Shotokan Karate Centre under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Nawaf bin Barghash bin Said al Said. Also present were Secretary-general of the Omani Karate Committee, Hamoud bin Salem al Touqi and Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem al Mahdali, Head of the Al Maabela region in the Wilayat of Al Seeb.
A large number of players representing 19 clubs, academies, and private karate centres from 7 Arab and foreign countries participated, including Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria, Iran and India, in both kata and kumite competitions, according to predefined age groups and weight categories. The championship followed the rules of the International Karate Federation.
The competition was officiated by a selection of international Omani, resident, continental, and national referees. The overall standings were as follows: Muscat international Karate Do Academy secured first place with 9 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, followed by the Shotokan Karate Centre with 9 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze medals. Al Qudrah Karate Club claimed third place with 9 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals, while Al Buraimi Karate Academy attained fourth place with 6 gold, 13 silver and 26 bronze medals.
During the closing ceremony, Shaikh Abdullah al Mahdali delivered a welcoming speech to HH Sayyid Nawaf bin Barghash al Said and expressed gratitude and appreciation to Muscat International Karate do Academy, Shotokan Karate Centre, the organising committees, the referees team, the coaches of clubs, academies, and participating centres as well as the management of Al Amal Sports Club, for their constructive collaboration towards the success of the championship.
Shihan bin Ali bin Mohammed al Raisi, Chairman of Muscat International Karate Do Academy, tournament director, also thanked the chief guest and organisers.