Chennai to host commonwealth karate competition in 2009

Chennai, Oct.23 : Martial art enthusiasts of the country will have an opportunity to witness world class bouts during the Commonwealth Karate competition which will be hosted in Chennai next year.

The Karate players here hope that the competition will help popularize the game at a time when cricket attracts the limelight.

"Karate is only 40-year-old sport. Still it has become highly popular game across the world. Except Olympic and Commonwealth almost all major tournaments like Mediterranean games, Pan America games and even Asian games include Karate as a sport," said Billy Brennan, president of commonwealth karate federation UK.

Billy Brennan expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided at Chennai stadium. He expressed hope that the sport would draw more youngsters in India to the game than cricket.

Two officials from the All India Karate Do Federation (AIKF) arrived at Chennai to inspect ground condition of the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

Of the 53 countries under commonwealth federation, 40 nation will participate in this competition.

"We want the commonwealth federation to include Karate as a sport. Inspite of not being much hopeful, we still want to try," said Thiyagarajan, Vice President, All India Karate Federation.

ANI