Muscat: The 10th Shotokan Karate Centre Open Championship kicked off in Muscat on Friday. The event is organised under the umbrella of the Oman Karate Committee and sponsored by the Muscat Nights festival 2025. It is being held at the main hall of Al Amal Sports Club in the Ghala area of the Wilayat of Bausher, with extensive participation from local and international karate champions.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Talal bin Said al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, and in the presence of Salim al Mahrouqi, Member of Majlis Ash'shura representing the Wilayat of Adam and Chairman of the Oman Karate Committee.
This year’s edition is distinguished by the participation of over 400 male and female athletes from nine Arab and foreign countries: Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Iran, Nepal, Egypt and Algeria. These athletes represent 34 sports clubs and compete across various age categories.
The championship spans two days. The first day is dedicated to competitions for age groups 8 to 10 years, while players aged 11 and above compete on the second day in an enthusiastic and highly competitive atmosphere.
The championship also features the participation of 40 teams in group kata (demonstration combat) and group kumite (free combat), conducted in a team format where three players face off against three players in each round, adding an exciting competitive edge to the tournament.
For the first time, two teams comprising individuals with Down syndrome and people with disabilities participated in the championship. This humanitarian gesture aims to promote inclusivity and provide opportunities for everyone to engage in sports activities. The opening ceremony included impressive karate demonstrations by several participating athletes.
SAFWAN CLAIMS TOP SPOT
On the first day of the championship, Safwan al Zakwani secured first place in the boys' 10-year-old category, followed by Rishanth Maruthi in second place, while Azri Tsunil and Srihari shared third place. In the girls' 8-year-old category, Noya GK claimed first place, with Al Yamamah al Rawahi finishing second. In the Down syndrome category, Abdullah al Hinai took first place, Zayed al Jabri came in second, and Ammar al Mamari and Abdullah al Ghafri jointly placed third. In the disability category, Maktoum al Muqbali secured first place, while Said al Masoudi took second place. Abdullah al Muqbali and Said al Shaidi shared third place.
Hilal al Abdali, Secretary of the Shotokan Karate Centre and Head of the Championship's Media Committee, expressed his pride in organising this distinguished edition of the championship. He praised the high level of organisation and broad participation, emphasising that the championship aims to develop karate in the Sultanate of Oman and refine players' skills.
Al Abdali added that this championship provides Omani and resident referees with a valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from arbitration courses in real competitions. These championships significantly contribute to honing the skills of Omani youth and discovering new talents that could become key assets for the national karate team in the future. "This championship is part of ongoing efforts to support Omani sports, provide a competitive platform for players to develop their skills and reinforce Oman's position as a capable host for major sports events."
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