Annual karate contest to be held on April 20

14th edition of Japan Karate Shotokan Cup to be held at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club

The 14th Annual Japan Karate Shotokan ( JKS) Cup promises to be bigger and better when it is held at the Shabab Al Ahli Club on April 20.

Held uninterrupted for the past 13 years, the JKS Cup brings together athletes from nearly 85 karate clubs from across the UAE. With just two weeks remaining, this year’s tournament has already attracted more than 800 participants, with organisers hopeful of the numbers crossing the three- figure mark within the next fewdays.

Run as a daylong competition, this event has been conceptualised more as a sports carnival with various other activities thrown in such as food stalls, merchandising kiosks and activities for children.

“Unlike in the previous years, this won’t just be a tournament, but more like a carnival that provides a sense of inclusivity for the entire family and friends of participants,” organiser Karthik Menon told Gulf News.

“The beauty of this competition is that we have a cross- section of participants that includes some Emiratis as well. This event is truly for our community as it brings together so many nationalities on one day.”

The Shoto United Federation today boasts nearly 200 affiliates amounting to more than 6,000 members spread through nearly 60 countries worldwide. The main focus of the JKS World Federation has been to develop the sport among all age groups.

JKSCup brings togetherathletes fromnearly85 karate clubs from across theUAE.