FUJAIRAH: The second edition of the Karate1 Youth League – Fujairah 2024 kicked off today in Fujairah.
The tournament is being held from 22nd to 25th February, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The event’s inauguration was attended by Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), and Brigadier Nasser Abdul Razaq Al Razooqi, President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and Vice President of the WKF, along with several presidents of national federations.
Espinós thanked the UAE for its cooperation with the WKF, stressing that it is one of the key supporters of the sport’s global development, and contributes to the success of karate’s spread worldwide.
He then lauded the work of the UAE Karate Federation, led by Brigadier Al Razooqi, and the championship’s organising committee and staff.
He made this statement while meeting with members of the WKF’s Referees and Technical Committees to ensure their readiness for th
e tournament, as well as the readiness of international referees.
The first day of the World League witnessed the participation of 78 countries, including 14 Arab countries. Egypt topped the list of participating countries, both Arab and international, in terms of the number of participants with 274 competitors.
The championship’s first day included competitions for the Under-21 category in the kata and kumite competitions.
Emirati clubs are participating with 108 competitors in all categories of the tournament, which involves many of the world’s leading competitors.
The WKF allows all competitors from around the world, including cubs, juniors, the youth and Under-21s, and those affiliated with national teams and clubs, to participate in the tournament.
Source: Emirates News Agency