Mangalore and Udupi Karatekas shine in the WUKF Intercontinental Championships

By Robin J. Martis
Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 30 Nov 2012: Institute of Karate and Allied Arts (IKAA) Mangalore has topped the medals tally in the World Union of Karate do federations (WUKF) intercontinental Karate Championships held at New Delhi between the 21st and 25th November 2012.

 
The spectacular tournament which was held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi had more than 1500 karatekas from over 15 different countries fighting intensively for 4 days in different age, weight and belt categories.

 
In addition to large teams from different parts of India, the tournament also saw some great karate experts from countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Denmark, Iran, Kirgizstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom etc.

 

 

 
India were crowned the overall champions followed by runners up Romania and Srilanka. In all, 110 competitors from IKAA Mangalore took part in the competition under the guidance of Chief Instructor Kyoshi Praveen Kumar and coaches Vinod Ullal and Sudhir Prabhu. The Mangalorean team topped the medals tally in the federation wise list with 109 medals which included 36 gold, 27 Silver and 46 bronze and a whopping 341 points to its credit, which was a huge margin of over 200 points to the club which stood second in the competition.
 

Gladwin Pamela Fernandes created a record by winning 4 Gold medals. She had won three gold medals in the Asia karate championships held at Hyderabad couple of years ago. The Indian fighters had a tough competition from the Romanian and Russians who are well known for their lightning fast counter attacks.

 
Earlier, a referee seminar was conducted by Luis Ivan from Brazil, the Director of the WUKF Referee Commission.
44 of the best Asia WUKF referees were present  at the seminar which included 8 Senior Instructors from Mangalore - Ananda Devadiga, Balakrishna Alva, Suresh M, Clement Sequeira, Abdul Khader, Robin Martis, Derick Kishan and Imthiyaz. Several referees from this group were selected and certified as WUKF international referees and Judges.

 
Subhash Maharia, former Union Minister was the chief patron of the competition. Telugu film star Suman who is also a Senior Black belt with WUKF and All India Budokan Karate federation was one of the Chief Guests at the inauguration. Indian Boxing star Vijender Singh was the chief guest for the prize distribution ceremony. Mr. C Hanumantha Rao, President of AIBKF, Mr. Syed Ahmed, Secretary General, and Mr. Praveen Kumar, Technical chairman of AIBKF were also present.