Dubai: More than 1,200 athletes are confirmed for the fourth Al Ahli Dubai International Open Karate tournament to be held at Al Ahli Club’s indoor hall from January 29 to February 2.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), the annual tournament has this year attracted an attractive field from 50 countries across the world.
Last year’s competition attracted nearly 1,000 athletes and the UAE were runners-up to Egypt in the overall medal standings, while hosts Al Ahli was adjudged the best club.
The UAE squad completed the four-day competition with 29 medals, including 10 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze while Egypt topped the standings for a third year running with 44 medals including 13 gold, 12 silver and 19 bronze.
With prize money totalling $100,000 (Dh367,300) the competition has attracted some of the best athletes, even after the entry deadline of January 12. Competitions will be held in varied age and weight categories starting from the under-10s to senior events for men and women.
Organisers have increased the number of tatamis (mats) from four to five to complete the competition in five days.
“If last year was a huge challenge hosting nearly 1,000 competitors then you can imagine the situation we are currently in to ensure we have a smooth competition this year,” tournament director Dr Alaa Halouish told Gulf News.
“After three years, the interest has been huge from around the world and we had to cut down on the entries [to about] 1,200 participants,” he added.
Nine countries — namely Bahrain, Cameroon, Estonia, Malaysia, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan — will be making their Dubai debut. Organisers are planning a surprise at this year’s opening ceremony scheduled for January 30.
Last year, Arabs Got Talent star Jennifer Grout was the surprise performer at the opening and closing ceremony of the competition.
“This year too, there will be a surprise,” Halouish promised.
