Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah committed to providing the best for their karatekas
Published on: Friday, May 10, 2024
Sudirman (left) and Simon (right) with some of the winners.
Kota Kinabalu: The 1st Shotokan Open Karate Championship Sabah 2024 recently saw participation from three countries – Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia.
The event united 15 teams from Sabah and Sarawak, with notable representations from Brunei Sports School and Sarawak State Sports Council.
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Over 1,000 participants and spectators gathered at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) at Sepanggar to witness the 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 WKF 2024 rules. The introduction of non-sanctioned events such as mixed duo and mixed team kumite added a fresh and popular dimension to the championship.
SKAS President Simon Chia in a statement on Thursday highlighted the association’s pioneering efforts in introducing online registration via SportsData and implementing World Karate Federation (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.
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“By flying in technical officers from Selangor and a Chief Referee from Indonesia, we underscore our commitment to providing the best for our karatekas.”
This event holds significant benefits for all associations and club practitioners in the region, promoting inclusivity and collaboration among karate enthusiasts.
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Supported by Sabah State Sports Council (MSNS), Sabah Education Department (JPNS), and The Consulate of Japan, the championship aimed to foster camaraderie and skill development among karate practitioners.
The presence of the Indonesian Consulate General 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 Indonesian Consulate.
During the event, Director of ILP Sudirman Hammade presented medals to the medallists and expressed his desire for continued collaboration between SKAS and ILP.
SKAS thanked the participating teams, volunteers, and organising partners for their invaluable support such as ILPKK, K2, Malaysian Red Crescent and Family
Wellness. Simon also announced the upcoming event, the 1st Women Karate Open Sabah 2024, inviting continued participation and support from the karate community.
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