Kota Kinabalu: A total of 182 athletes from three main contingents participated in the 1st Shitoryu Inter-zone Karate Championship 2024 held at SJKC Pai Wen Hall in Ranau on Saturday.
Sabah State Shitoryu Karatedo Association (Shitoryu Sabah) president Gesiri Gambung said the event organised by the Ranau Shitoryu Karate Association (PSKR) involved the Shitoryu Sabah training centre involving three zones.
He said the first zone involves training centres in Manggatal, Polytechnic and Putatan and the second zone is Gontung, Guakon, Limbungan and Nabalu while the third zone consists of Kibbas, Kundasang, Mangkapoh, Nunuk Ragang and Ranau.
“The reception of this tournament helped to achieve the objectives of the organisers, which is to search for new talent, produce highly competitive athletes, encourage competition and strengthen friendships among athletes and in general, the Shitoryu Sabah extended family.
“The organisation of this tournament also aims to prepare the participation of coaches and athletes as well as the preparation of the organising committee for the two main tournaments that will take place in Sabah this year,” he said.
He said this in a statement after the event officiated by the Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam.
In the tournament, he also announced the President’s Special Incentive as an encouragement to the establishment of a new training centre while thanking the organisers, Exco and Sabah Shitoryu Bureau, athletes’ parents and supporters who made the event a success.
He added that a total of five Long Term Strategic Plans were outlined to realise the mission and vision of the Sabah Shitoryu Association in order to achieve a team that stands as great as other karate associations in Sabah.
Meanwhile, Tinus in his speech, said he was proud and expressed his support for the organisation of sports or similar activities that help in the formation of personality, individuality and instil the spirit of sportsmanship among the community, especially the new generation.
It is understood that, in addition to the team’s coaches and managers, awards were also presented to athletes who showed outstanding achievements in a series of prestigious karate tournaments as well as athletes who contributed outstanding performance in academic results.
In current developments, the two main tournaments that will take place in Sabah this year are the 9th Sabah Shitoryu Karate Championship 2024 on July 6-7 at Sri Putatan Hall, Kampung Pasir Putih, Putatan.
Next is the North Borneo Open Karate-Do Championship 2024 which will be held on Nov 22-24 at Hongkod Koisaan Culture Hall, KDCA Penampang.
