651 Karateka Fight Over Mayor Cup

Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan 2/2 (AntaranewsKalsel) - A total of 651 karateka fight to win Mayor Cup in the third all-South Kalimantan championship held in GOR Hasanuddin HM Banjarmasin from 2 to 4 February.

The entire contingent from districts and cities in the province took part in the championship which was officially opened by Banjarmasin Mayor Ibnu Sina in GOR Hasanuddin HM, Thursday.

Ibn Sina wanted many prospective athletes to emerge in this championship that they will be a mainstay for South Kalimantan achievement in the national and even international level.

"I'm sure we have a lot of good karateka in our region, and this event will be a proof of their performance," he said.

Ibnu Sina, who was given honorary black belt in the event, expected sportsmanship should be upheld in this championship, that the athletes who win totally reliable.

Banjarmasin City Government, he said, verily pay attention to this sport, that every year it hold this championship as a form of guidance for young athletes of South Kalimantan.

Chairman of the South Kalimantan Karate-do Federation (FORKI) Marudut Tampubulon said, the championship held is a work program of 2016-2017 of the organization.

The purpose, he said, is to work together with local governments to develop the sport of karate. It is also a test event for the outstanding athlete at the same time fostering a sense of brotherhood among fellow karateka in South Kalimantan.

"This championship is also to meet the requirements for participants in the Tenth Provincial Games (Porporv)2017 in Tabalong," said Marudut.

He said 651 athletes who took part in this event compete for 56 classes from an early age to senior and added with Kata teams.