1ST WEST ZONE KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP-2019 | India Karate News | Sports247live

1st West Zone Karate Championship was held at Goa where Karate Teams from Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh & Daman & Diu participated. The event was conducted by the Western India Karate Association (WIKA) under the umbrella of the Karate Association of India and hosted by the Traditional Karate Association of Goa (TKAG).

The championship was held from 20th to 22nd Dec 2019 at SAG Multipurpose Stadium in Goa with spectacular arrangements and meticulous planning by the TKAG which is well known for its reputation of being one of the finest hosts for Karate events in India, under the able leadership of Mr. Suraj M. Caculo (President-TKAG), having successfully hosted the KAI Senior Nationals in 2017 in Goa.
The Chief Guest at the opening ceremony was Hanshi BHARAT SHARMA, (President-SAKF, EC Member-AKF, Member-Technical Commission-WKF, 1St Sr. Vice President-KAI) with Mrs. Rekha Sharma being a Special Guest.
The Executive Committee members of Western India Karate Association (WIKA) who were present: Mr. Viraf Vatcha (President-WIKA), Mr. Suraj M. Caculo (General Secretary-WIKA), Mr. Rajesh Agarwal (Treasurer-WIKA), Mr. Kalpesh Makwana (Sr. Vice President-WIKA), Mr. Anil Kalyan (Jt. Secretary-WIKA) welcomed the chief guest and presented him with an event Memento. The Traditional Lamp was lit to commence the auspicious beginning of the event with the Chief guest declaring the event open. Hanshi Bharat Sharma in his motivational speech to players encouraged participants all States to work as a TEAM for the State and subsequently for the country to imbibe patriotism in them. He also praised the hosting State association TKAG, with specific mention of appreciation to Mr. Suraj M. Caculo for spectacular planning and arrangements.
Ms. Shaheen Akhtar (WKF Referee) was invited to be the Referee Commission Chairperson of WIKA for the championship.
The Championship was conducted as per the WKF and KAI rules and regulations with meticulous planning with a pool of neutral officials from all participating States on Tatami, under able supervision and guidance of Ms. Shaheen Akhtar.
The event witnessed participation from over 600 Male & Female players from various States in Sub-Juniors, Cadets, Juniors, Under-21 yrs, and Seniors Kata and Kumite categories.
Mr. Joseph Rodrigues (General Secretary-TKAG) hosted the opening ceremony, welcoming the dignitaries, the senior WKF, AKF, and KAI certified officials, Coaches, players and parents who had visited from far and wide.
The event was concluded on 22nd with Team Goa titled as ‘Champions’ with 25 Gold Medals and Maharashtra & Rajasthan as 1st and 2nd Runners up with 21 & 16 Gold Medals respectively.
All the Medal winners were declared selected for the Interzonal Karate Championship which will be conducted by the Karate Association of India soon.
The President of WIKA, Mr. Viraf Vatcha announced that the Zonal Championships will now be a regular event with the 2nd West Zone Karate Championship to be held either in Rajasthan or Maharashtra.