Sports

Omani coaching couple to take part in world karate event in Türkiye

 
MUSCAT: The World Karate Championship will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from June 4 to 7 in which more than 25 countries will participate which includes Arab, European and Spanish teams.

Oman's participation will be under the leadership of coach Iqbal bin Yousef al Balushi along with his wife and coach Shaima bint Salem al Rahbiyeh. The arbitration will be on the Russian Karate and Jiu-Jitsu Federation system under the JKA system -- the Japanese karate system which is close to the basic traditional karate.

The main supporter in Sultanate of Oman for foreign participation in this world event is Shaikh Adel bin Saeed al Shanfari - CEO of Al Shanfari Group of Companies, and he is also the Consul of the State of Luxembourg. Shaikh Adel is the head of the International Mixed Martial Games Organisation based in Iran. Russia and more than 60 countries are members of this organisation which is called World Oriental Sport (WOF).

Oman's representative coach Iqbal al Balushi has a long history in martial arts, especially karate and kickboxing. He holds a sixth degree black belt from the Russian Karate Federation. He has worked as a karate instructor at Sultan Qaboos University, Dhofar Club and Al Musannah Club. He has also worked as a karate instructor in Canada and founded many sports clubs in Oman and is the CEO of Al Azaiba Karate and Kickboxing Team.

Speaking on this occasion, Shaandar Bukhari, Secretary-General of World Karate Confederation, expressed his best wishes to all participating nations and cadets.