The members of Qatar karate team along with coach Ian Cole (left) at the First Qatar International Karate Championship at Al Sadd Stadium in this file picture of Septemebr 21, 2012. The Second edition of the Qatar International Karate Championship begins today. The two-day championship organised by Qatar Karate Federation will be held at Al Gharafa club.
Doha: Qatar karate players are keen to put up a good show at the Second International Karate Championship which kicks off today at Al Gharafa Club.
Last year, the Qatar national team and Qatar Sports Club had fielded competitors.
While Qatar SC finished fifth overall with a silver and bronze, the Qatar national team bagged four bronze medals.
Egypt topped the medals tally with six gold while Tunisia with one gold and two bronze, and Saudi Arabia with a tally of three silver and two bronze finished second and third.
This year around 170 players from 17 countries are taking part.
Players from French, Italy, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Algeria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, besides hosts Qatar will be taking part in the championship which will end on Saturday.
Clubs from UAE, France and Qatar will also compete for the top prize in the team event along with 16 national teams of various countries.
The championship will be held in three categories, seniors, juniors and cadet.The seniors will compete in the +78kg, -78kg and -68kg and the Kumite team event. The juniors will see action in -65kg, -75kg and +75kg. In the cadet section competitors will vie for top honurs in -57kg, 70kg and +70KG.
The winners in the senior category will get 1500 Euros and the second place winner 700 Euros, while the two bronze medal winners each will get 500 Euros.
In the junior category, the top prize winner will be richer by 1000 Euros and the second place winner will collect 500 Euros and the bronze medal winners 300 Euros each. For the cadet category the top medal winner’s purse is 700 Euros and 300 Euros for the second place. The third place winners will pocket 150 Euros each.
The Peninsula
