Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) President Amir Khouri confirmed that the 2018 Junior National Championships will kick off on July 8 with the Senior leg set for September 30 2018.
Khouri, who was recently reappointed GKF President told Guyana Times International Sport on Wednesday that the two main events which are used as criteria for National selection, will kick off a few months apart at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
Khouri said that with the 2020 Japan Olympics fast approaching, it is important for the local fighters to start getting themselves in order. He said that due to the ongoing basketball programme among other activities, the Juniors which are usually held in May were forced to July.
The senior instructor said that these two events will be very important as it will allow them to identify the best on the local scene from the various clubs. Khouri pinpointed the Senior’s as extra important due to the high concentration of prized martial artists who represent Guyana in that level.
Apart from the two major competitions, Khouri said there will be numerous mini-tournaments in between leading up to the summer events. Also, the GKF President said he was gearing towards working closely with the government in 2018 as he seeks to improve standards of the federation and its fighters.
With numerous overseas assignments per year, Khouri said that he hoped for more backings from the government who could help aid in offsetting travel expenses which will help to generate more international exposure for the local karatekas.
Regarding the Olympics, the sensei added that the cost to travel from Guyana to Japan is roughly USD G$2,000 but hopes that when the time comes the deserving fighters will be able to represent their country at the highest level of martial arts and help put Guyana on the map.
Meanwhile, Khouri said that he will be seeking out further help from the government as it relates to internationally recognized equipment, more specifically the matting which is used in the dojos.
He said that the GKF are on quest to ensure that Guyana will be well prepared should the time arrive when they are needed to represent Guyana as ambassadors on the world stage of martial arts. (Clifton Ross)
