Cyprus and the city of Larnaca plays host to the second Karate 1-Series A event of the season, which began today and will wrap up on February 18, gathering more than 950 persons, athletes, referees and escorts.
The Karate 1-Series A, held in Kition Athletic Centre, will be the second event following the tournament in Athens, Greece.
Speaking during a press conference, held in Kition Athletic Centre, Deputy Minister for Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, said this gathering, not only showcases the incredible talent and skill of karateka from across the globe, ‘but also underscores Cyprus’s position as a powerhouse in the world of martial arts, and sports in general,’ adding that ‘these games bring our nation to the forefront of international sports, demonstrating our capability to host world-class events and our passion for promoting athletic excellence.’
‘Sports,’ she said ‘has a unique power to bring people together, transcending boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and creed. It is a universal language tha
t unites individuals from all corners of the world under the common pursuit of excellence and friendship.’
Concluding the Deputy Minister stated that in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, athletes demonstrate not only their physical abilities but also their integrity, respect, and solidarity with their fellow competitors.
On his part, Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation, said this tournament attracts athletes from 5 continents and our objective is to add value to our sportsmen to our karatekas.
‘This K1 activities are having an immense success and we had success because of the good organisation and we are competent to the Cyprus Karate Federation to give to the athletes the best conditions for the championship,’ he added.
Yiannis Ioannou, President of the Cyprus Spot Organisation, described the hosting of the tournament as very important for Cyprus, noting that it is important not only for the Cypriot representation with 25 Karatekas but for sport tourism as well, as February
is not considered as high tourist season.
«Any event carried out here is a showcase for Cyprus internationally,’ he said, noting that CSO welcomes any such initiative which acts as ‘an undisputed ambassador for the Republic of Cyprus abroad.’
Andreas Vasiliou, President of the Cyprus Karate Association, said that ‘Karate 1 Series A’ is on of the world of WKF’s ranking championships.
It is the premier league featuring the world rankings top 32 athletes while the remaining karateka up to the 100th slot compete for better places in global rankings.
Vasiliou also thanked Antonio Espinos for ‘trusting Cyprus to host this event.’
Source: Cyprus News Agency