Philippines to host Karate One Youth League

MANILA, Philippines — Karate Pilipinas, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, will host its biggest international competition to date as it brings the WKF Karate One Youth League to the MOA Arena from May 14 to 17.

“We hope to inspire the youth not only to produce future world champions in Junna Tsukii and Sakura Alforte but also to take up the sport,” said Karate Pilipinas chief Richard Lim during yesterday’s media launch at the Lanson Place in Pasay.

Lim, of course, was referring to Tsukii being a World Games gold winner and Alforte as a former world youth champion.

PSC chair Patrick Gregorio said the four-day meet is in line with his agency’s vision of strengthening its grassroots programs but also promoting sports tourism.

“These are 3,000 kids joining so I’m sure they’ll bring their parents along so we expect double or triple the potential tourists coming to the country for that week,” he said.

“The more international exposure, the better for our young athletes,” said POC head Abraham Tolentino.