The third edition of the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup organized annually as part of activities marking the celebration of Japan’s Week has been held at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The two- day event organized by the Ghana Karate Association (GKA), in partnership with the Japan Embassy, ended on Sunday and saw about 150 karatekas taking part in a Karate competition.
Forty-six athletes won medals in the different weight categories.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the President of the GKA, Melvin Brown admonished the athletes to stay focused, determined and disciplined to enable them to train hard and have a solid team to represent Ghana in local and international competitions.
Mr. Brown congratulated the athletes and commended the Japanese Ambassador, Kaoru Yoshimura, for supporting and sustaining the programme.
He said ‘‘organizing more championships like this has being a part of our vision to develop the performance of athletes. After we returned from Congo, we are determined to lift up our game and see Ghana karate in the World and Africa ranking.
‘‘Even though our performance at the All Africa Games was not the best, I am encouraged by the determination shown by the current team and I believe they will move Ghana karate up to a respectable level’’.
The president called on the government and corporate entities to support Karate and other least financed sports ‘‘to bring positive results, and not to concentrate only on disciplines that are strong, We need support since our sports helps our youth in so many ways’’.
Samuel Obeng, who won a gold medal, cash prize and a certificate in the seniors + 84 category, told the GNA Sports that ‘‘it’s awesome and great to win. Each championship I partake in is totally a new experience for me.
“With my hard training I was most definitely expecting this win. I had a very tough contest from my opponent and this is one of the toughest fights for me especially in the finals, though it’s not one of my best fights as compared to past competitions’’.
Obeng said karatekas needs funds and facilities to match up with tough karate nations on the continent, as well as international exposure to put the sport in the limelight.
Source: GNA
