Karate exponents target five gold medals in Punjab

Malaysia plans to clinch five gold medals in the 6th Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Open Championships scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday in Jalabar, Punjab, India.

Padang Serai Member of Parliament N. Gobalakrishnan who is also the team manager said a 20-member squad comprising 16 exponents and four officials from the Kedah Karate Association would compete in the championships.

Kedah Karate Association President S. Stanley said the association was both happy and proud to be given the honour to represent the country in the championships that would feature 15 countries, among them India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea.

Stanley said the 16 exponents, including three women, had undergone a month long intensive training to enhance their performance and endurance.

“Although Malaysia won seven gold medals last year, we have set a modest target of five gold medals this year due to the level of competition that keeps improving," he added.