KATHMANDU: A six-member karate team on Friday left for Japan to take part in the 17th AKF Junior and Cadet U-21 Karate Championship slated for May 7-13 in Okinawa.

Nabin Rasaili, Rajib Pudasaini, Ashtir Rai and Bijay Shrestha will compete in the event. Coach Dhruba Birkam Malla and team leader Nepal Olympic Committee Vice-president Purendra Bikram Lakhe accompanied the players to Japan.

Meanwhile, Bishan Mote, Balram Mitra, Bishan Singh Khadka and Shyam Sherpa also left for Japan to take part in the Referee Course. — HNS