Dubai: Emirati para-karateka Salem Al Muhairi made history this week by becoming the first UAE athlete to perform a kata at the home of karate in front of Japan Karate Federation (JKF) officials in Tokyo.
Al Muhairi, 19, who has cerebral palsy, gave a demonstration of his skills in the 13th Japan Cup for Disability at the Ayase Budokan in a domestic tournament usually reserved for Japanese para-athletes.
While in Tokyo, Al Muhairi also met with JKF president Takashi Sasagawa and vice-president Shigeo Kurihara to propose possible para-karate co-operation between the JKF and UAE Karate Federation to organise more competitive events between both nations. Al Muhairi also met with the UAE ambassador to Japan, Khalid Al Ameri.
“Salem was amazing and remembered all his moves,” said his mother Maryna. “It must have been very difficult for him because he was the only karateka performing and everyone was watching.
“It is my humble opinion that Salem has taken the first step towards opening opportunities up to other people with disability. He has shown courage to work hard and stay focused to show the world that the UAE also has para-karate and can stand equally with any country.
"It wasn’t easy, Japan is an amazing country with great karate and karatekas,” added Maryna, who also thanked the JKF, the UAE Karate Federation, the UAE Embassy in Japan and Salem’s coach Mohammad Naderbeigi for their support during the trip.
“I hope Salem’s brave act will encourage other people with disability to promote and support competitive para-karate.”
Salem competed in his first international event at the World Karate Championships in Linz, Austria, just last October, and now hopes to compete in next year’s event in Madrid, Spain. His long-term ambition is to win a medal at the Paralympics in 2024 in Paris, when para-karate will be included for the first time.
