Karate stars head to Asian championships

AMMAN — Jordan is sending a big delegation to compete at the Asian Karate Championships that will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, through July 18, according to the Jordan Olympic Committee News Service.  With recent Islamic Solidarity Games gold medalist Bashar Al Najjar among the ranks, head coach Ibrahim Abu Al Edam believes the team can return with medals.

“We had intensive training over the past weeks,” he said. “We focus on raising the fitness levels for the athletes who have all worked extremely hard building up to this.” For the first time, the seniors’ event will be held alongside the various age categories making this one of the biggest celebrations of the sport this year.

“It will be a great opportunity for our youngsters travelling there to be able to witness a full senior event,” Abu Al Edam added. “Kids will get to meet some of the best Karate fighters in the world from the likes of Japan and Iran, but I am confident we will also reach the podium.” The Asian Championships represent an early milestone for preparing the karate team towards the 2020 Olympic Games, so the fighters know the pressure is already on to produce results.