Kota Kinabalu: Sabah are banking on home support to do well in the 43rd Senior and 33rd Under-14, Cadet and Junior Karate Championship to be held at the Penampang Cultural Hall beginning today (Thursday).
The State contingent is represented by 157 athletes with 14 men and 13 women to compete in the Senior Championship on the opening two days, while the rest will be taking part in the Under-14, Cadet and Junior Championship starting on May 17.
Sabah Karate Association (SKA) secretary general Julian Chin said they did not set any targets for the athletes but hoped as hosts of the championship will give them the edge over their rivals.
“Our preparation was fine but there were also many challenges due to the big number of athletes.
“We are not setting any target. However, I do believe we do have the home soil advantage, but the senior category will be much tougher because all the national athletes will be present,” he said.
A total of 762 athletes from throughout the country are participating in the four-day competition.
The State contingent is led by team managers Richard Ajak and Abdul Halim @ Ampiu assisted by Lily Linus.
The 16 coaches are Danny Fredololine, Farlin Veroney M Frederick, Clevelence Carlos, Mohd Azreen Ag Hashim, Mahfudz Azeem Ag Hashim, Jackson Cyprianus, Ronney Boy Gomboro, Roger Jingkah, Kelvin Chin Kok Tsun, Andy Alexious M. Angkangon, Roberto Candido Semana, Mui Ling Tiwon, Leong Tze Ming, Lily Linus, Wong Yee Lok and Nurul Shyakira Zakaria.
