Muscat – Martial artists from nine countries took part in the 6th Open Karate Pioneers Academy Championship that concluded at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Bausher on Saturday.

The championship was one of the biggest karate events in the country with participation of 335 male and female karatekas representing 27 clubs, academies and private centres from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, Sudan, Iraq, Iran and the United Kingdom, besides Oman.

The two-day event was held under the auspices of Hon Saleh Zakwani, Member of State Council and Chairman of Omani British Friendship Association, in the presence of Salem bin Hamad al Mahrouqi, Chairman of Oman Karate Committee, and Al Sheehan Muhammad Bahrami, President of Japan Shotokan Karate Association for Asia.

Ahmed bin Saeed al Zakwani, President of championship organiser Karate Pioneers Academy, said, “I express my sincere thanks, appreciation and respect for all referees and participating clubs’ staff, including administrators, coaches, players and their parents for their cooperation for the advancement of the sport of karate.”

Competitions were held in various categories based on karatekas’ age and weight in kata and kumite.

Al Qudra Karate Club from Oman bagged the championship. Ali Main Karate Club and The Champ, also from Oman, were placed second and third respectively.