Satdobato branch dojo of Nepal Shito-Ryu Karate Association is organising the Invitational National Karate Tournament from May 4-6 here at the National Sports Council covered hall.

A total of 168 players — 88 in men and 80 in women’s sections — from five development regions and three departmental teams will take part in the tournament, informed tournament coordinator Deepak Shrestha at a press meet today.

The tournament features 17 events — 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 67kg, 75kg, under-80kg, above-80kg in men’s category and 45kg, 50kg, 55kg, 61kg, under-60kg and above-60kg in women’s section along with individual and team kata. Top three teams will receive Rs 50,000 Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. Shrestha informed the estimated budget of the tournament is Rs 2.5 million. “We are in talks with a couple of sponsors and hopefully the corporate sectors will lend their support for the tournament,” added Shrestha, the two-time South Asian Games gold medallist.

Nepal Karate Federation President Dawa Gurung said they would hold the regional selection for the event. “As we are preparing for the 13th South Asian Games, 18th Asian Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, such tournaments will help the karatekas to remain in shape for international events,” said Gurung.

Karate chief coach Shovit Raj Prasain, Lalitpur NKF President Sanu Lal Shrestha, SKIF chief coach Niwas Gopal Vaidhya and eighth SAF Games gold medallist karateka Ravi Maharjan were also present on the occasion.