Dubai: An experienced field of athletes have confirmed their participation at the 2nd International Open Karate Masters Cup to be held in Dubai next week.
The event, to be organised by Martial Arts Academy with sponsorship from Etisalat, will be held at the Etisalat Academy in Muhaisna, off the Emirates Road, on August 17-18.
The competition has drawn a lot of interest from neighbouring countries, including the national teams of Iran, and hosts UAE.
The inaugural edition of this competition was held way back in 2003.
"It's good to organise this competition after a brief lapse," stated Vladimir Burdun from organisers Martial Arts Academy.
The organisers are also expecting athletes from Kazakhstan and Belarus to participate.
"So far, we have more than 150 athletes who have confirmed for this competition," Burdun said.
The championship will be held in the kumite and kata disciplines in six weight categories for adults and boys under 18, and in eight categories for boys under 14.
"We will also have a separate kata competition for children under 18," stated Mohammad Abbas Ahmad, assistant general secretary of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Federation.
With Iran sending in their senior national squad for the competition, the UAE is expected to field at least three teams in various age categories.
"The UAE team is looking at this competition as an apt preparation for the forthcoming GCC Championship (in September) and the World Championship (in October) to be held in Finland," Ahmad stated.
The UAE national karate squad is presently undergoing a long training camp in France. "The teams should be arriving in Dubai some time next week," he added.
One of the attractions will be that this competition will accept individual clubs and organisations.
"We want to assemble all like-minded individuals and clubs under one roof. We have a vision and that is to ensure the popularity of this sport in the UAE," stated Ahmad.
