By P. Chandra Sagaran
Ipoh City played host to some 850 participants in the 21st International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Ipoh City Open Karate Championship 2025 at Arena Badminton Perak MBI here on May 10th and 11th.
Malaysia was represented by 20 clubs from Perak, Kedah, Selangor,cPenang, Perlis and Johor.
Among the foreign countries were India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and Singapore.
The tournament was organised by Perak Karate-Do Association together with Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Federation Malaysia.
Tajikistan topped the table with seven golds, two silvers and four bronze .
In the Malaysian clubs category, Perak Karate took the spot with six golds, three silvers and four bronze.
Among the categories contested are cadet, junior, seniors, under-21, veteran, children under-13.
The exponents fought it out in kata kumite categories.
Earlier in the welcoming dinner on May 9 at Dewan YRSK, Ipoh, Batu Gajah Member of Parliament V. Sivakumar, patron of both organisations, in his address said”: winning medals is not only the focus but is is the international friendship and understanding each other’s cultures.
“It is a platform to communicate with each other and enhance friendship,”he added.