GALLE: A young and talented team made Pakistan proud when they won the Under-14 trophy in the 25th Kensho International Open Karate Championship 2023 at Galle Sports Complex in this Sri Lankan city.
Overall, the Pakistan team secured three gold and one silver medals in the championship.
All three gold medals were won by girls in kumite — Anahita Fatima (40kg category), Aiyana Noel (35kg) and Ayra Adil (20kg) — while Zehab Ghazanfar clinched a silver medal in the 35kg category of the boys’ competition. Interestingly, Anahita Fatima defeated her opponent in only 20 seconds.
“It is my dream to participate in Olympics and represent Pakistan,” Anahita Fatima said about her ambitions after winning the gold medal.
The Pakistan team took part in the 25th Kensho International Open Karate Championship under the supervision of Sindh Karate Association. Teams from hosts Sri Lanka, Japan, Germany, India and Pakistan took part in the competition.
“It is a great honour to share the spectacular victory with young karate team comprising four karatekas of Taurus Mixed Martial Arts in an international championship held in Sri Lanka,” said Wasif Ali, the chief coach and secretary of the Sindh Karate Association.
