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Five karatekas from Coimbatore have been selected for the world championship in Turkey. However, lack of funds stands in their way
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Photo M. Periasamy
The chosen ones Karatekas and referees from Coimbatore
The four karate federations of the country, who have been fighting for autonomy for quite sometime, have now come together to work in unison. And, that has brought about a fresh change to the image of the sport.
The big chance
Thanks to the transformation, five karatekas and three officials from Coimbatore have now earned a chance to board the flight to Turkey for the World Cadet and Junior Karate Championship next month.
Scheduled at the Bagcilar Olympic Sport Hall in Istanbul from October 14 to 21, the championship is expected to attract karatekas from over 80 countries.
The All India Karate Do Federation (AIKF), recognised by the Indian Olympic Association and the World Karate Federation, conducted a selection trial for the Indian team, in Chennai early this month. About 250 karatekas from across the country took part in the trial, and 22 found a place in the team.
The lucky five from the Coimbatore Karate Do Association (CKDA) are: G. Sabari Karthik from PSG College of Technology; R. Swarna Rekha (Dr. NGP Arts and Science College); D. Elamuruga Bharathi (Tamil Nadu College of Engineering); S. Gowtham (Kumaraguru College of Technology); and R. Karunambika (Perks Matriculation Higher Secondary School).
Sensei Paul Vickraman (joint team manager), Sensei Sai Bruce and Sensei R. Muthuraju (both referees) will accompany the team.
Sensei C.R. Ramessh, AIKF general secretary from Erode, will lead the Indian team, which will leave for Istanbul from Delhi on October 12, after a week’s training in Mumbai.
“It’s a great honour for Coimbatore, considering that only seven were selected from Tamil Nadu,” said Paul Vickraman, who is also the AIKF joint secretary.
Tough grind
“The participants, who came in from all the four federations, went through a tough grind during the selection trial.
“The interesting thing is that all the five from Coimbatore are national champions in their respective categories. So, this time we can certainly come back with a medal or two,” he said.
He said the district association has been dreaming of producing a world champion for several years now. “We have gained a wonderful opportunity. It is for us to deliver,” said R. Muthuraju, the president of CKDA.
Though Coimbatore’s representation in the Indian team comes as great news, the problem once again is sponsorship. Each participant requires a sum of Rs. 62,150, and the total works to nearly Rs. 5 lakh.
“We are looking for sponsors. We don’t want to let go of a golden chance. If companies are willing to support, we can even get them the best of branding,” said Paul. Hope the corporates are listening!
RAYAN ROZARIO
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