Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Shotokan Karate Association (SKAS) is excelling in domestic and foreign competitions despite being relatively “new” to the sport.
Given its fine performance on both domestic and foreign soil, it is not impossible that they have a bright chance to continue dominating the arena of self-defence sports in the future provided it receives support from all quarters.
Most recently, SKAS competitors showcased their exceptional talent and martial prowess on the international stage by participating in two prestigious tournaments.
The two tournaments held this month were the Magelang International Karate 1 in Indonesia and the Hanshi Cup 3.0 in Keningau. Both tournaments were notably in Kumite category.
In the first event of the Magelang 1st International Karate Championship held in Indonesia, SKAS athletes bagged two golds, two silvers and one bronze.
Muhammad Haqeem Rayyan gave a brilliant performance by securing one silver in his main event in the +76kg category along with one gold and one silver in the Festival Match.
Another entrant Izz Daniel Jauw also displayed exceptional skills after securing a bronze in his main event in the -61kg category and a gold in the Festival Match.
In the Hanshi 3.0 Cup held in Keningau, SKAS athletes continued to excel with siblings Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami taking home the bronze medal and Fanz Xavier Sami winning the gold.
SKAS President Simon Chia when commenting on the success of his students said that the Magelang 1st International Karate Championship provides an excellent opportunity to expose Sabah’s youth fighters to a wider talent pool.
“It was an eye-opening experience for many of them and I’m sure it improved their skills significantly,” he said, adding how proud he was as their leader.
Chia did not deny that his team’s success was accompanied by their hard work and commitment to win and will always be ready to face their upcoming tournament.
He thanked the association, parents and athletes for their unwavering support and commitment when the matches were held.
“We could not have achieved this success without their support. SKAS athletes showed their dedication and skills, earning an incredible collection of medals in the Kumite and other categories,” he said.
According to him, this year alone SKAS participated in three international matches and five local level matches. In all matches they obtained 90 per cent victories with medals.
The tournament participated abroad this year were in Bali, Indonesia in July, Pasig City in the Philippines (July) and Magelang Indonesia (September).
Meanwhile, Chia said various plans will be made to increase potential champions because out of 150 SKAS members, only five per cent of the athletes are competitive.
He expressed hope that the Sabah Government will see their dedication and achievements of his students and subsequently come forward to provide the necessary assistance such as permanent venues for matches as well as financial incentives.
