MUSCAT: The competitions of the second Muscat International Karate Do Academy Open Championship concluded at the Al Amal Sports Club Hall here on Friday.
The event was organised by Muscat International Karate Do Academy and members of the administration of the Shotokan Karate Centre under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Nawaf bin Barghash bin Said al Said. Also present were Secretary-General of the Omani Karate Committee, Hamoud bin Salem al Touqi and Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem al Mahdali, Head of the Al Ma'abela region in the Wilayat of Seeb.
A large number of players representing 19 clubs, academies, and private karate centres from 7 Arab and foreign countries participated, including Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria, Iran and India, in both kata and kumite competitions, according to predefined age groups and weight categories.
The championship followed the rules of the International Karate Federation. The competition was officiated by a selection of international Omani, resident, continental, and national referees.
The overall standings were as follows: Muscat international Karate Do Academy secured first place with 9 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, followed by the Shotokan Karate Centre with 9 gold, 4 silver and 11 bronze medals. Al Qudrah Karate Club claimed third place with 9 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals, while Al Buraimi Karate Academy attained fourth place with 6 gold, 13 silver and 26 bronze medals.
The championship achieved its objectives in enhancing the level of Omani karate through the interaction of Omani players with participants from other countries, refining and discovering the skills demonstrated by the players, and fostering acquaintance among coaches of participating clubs, academies, and centers, leading to fruitful cooperation between these entities.
During the closing ceremony, Shaikh Abdullah al Mahdali delivered a welcoming speech to HH Sayyid Nawaf and expressed gratitude and appreciation to Muscat International Karate do Academy, Shotokan Karate Centre, the organising committees, the referees team, the coaches of clubs, academies, and participating centres as well as the management of Al Amal Sports Club, for their constructive collaboration towards the success of the championship.
Additionally, Shihan Ali bin Mohammed al Raisi, Chairman of Muscat International Karate Do Academy, tournament director, thanked HH Sayyid Nawaf for sponsoring the closing ceremony, and extended gratitude to the organising committee members from the Shotokan Karate Centre, Sensei Navaz Mukeri, Sensei Youssef al Siyabi, Sensei Hilal al Abadli and Sensei Mundhir Bilal, as well as to Karam Al Asala Arabian Hospitality represented by Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem al Mahdali, Rakan for Karate Equipment Sales Company, all clubs, referees, organisers, and the audience including parents and karate enthusiasts.
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