Mediterranean Championships in Malta next month

The 14th Mediterranean Karate Championships for cadets and juniors will be held in Malta between September 2 and 4.

Organisers are expecting 300 participants from 20 countries (Albania, Algeria, Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Monaco, Morocco, San Marino, Serbia, Syria, Slovenia, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) to be present on the occasion at the University Sports Complex.

The championships, with the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport (KMS) as main sponsors, are being organised by the Mediterranean Karate Federation Union (MKFU).

The MKFU is affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF).

The WKF incorporates 172 member countries and is the largest karate organisation in the world. The WKF is also a member of the IOC.

The president of the Malta Karate Federation (MKF), Kenneth Abela, said: "The support received from KMS and our official sponsors, coupled with a very dynamic and energetic organising committee, will guarantee that this event will be a highly successful one.

"The championships will bring a variety of nationalities to our islands and this is naturally essential for the development of the sport as well as for our karatekas to experience participation on a more competitive, international level."

KMS chairman Franco Azzopardi said their assistance will be coming through the International Participation - Local Scheme.

This scheme was designed to assist sport organisations to hold international events.

Furthermore, besides promoting the art of karate, international events such as the championships are given a substantial amount of importance as they represent a valuable niche market for Malta's main revenue generating industry - tourism, Azzopardi noted.

Intensive training

MKF Technical Director, Anthony Zammit, said the national squad is undergoing intensive training and preparations for this competition.

Athletes are training strictly under the direction of the Kumite coach, James Galea, and Kata coach Joe Tanti. A training camp was also held with the participation of athletes from Sicily, brought over by the MKF's Foreign Technical Consultant, Santo Torre.

Zammit added that the national team is also being prepared psychologically through a specific course which has been designed by sports psychologist Adele Muscat.