Martial Arts demo

KATHMANDU: Master Kenji Ushiro and his Japanese team demonstrated a new form of martial art — UK Jissen-Juku — here at the Multi-purpose Martial Art Centre on Monday. Ushiro is the seventh DAN of Laido (the art and the concept of drawing sword) and also the eighth DAN holder of Kyoshi. He formed the UK Jissen-Juku in 2004. The aim of the style is the in-depth study of kata with a 600 year history of Okinawa, and the search for hidden content of kata through training in practical martial arts techniques. — HNS

ITF’s 12th anniversary

KATHMANDU: Nepal International Taekwondo Association (NITF) is organising various programmes to mark its 12th anniversary. The NITF central committee meeting on Monday decided to organise a week-long grand seminar and black belt grading from Tuesday. Blood donation and a feast for people living in old-age home at the Pashupatinath Temple area are among the other programmes planned to mark the anniversary. The NITF is also scheduled to felicitate individuals who have contributed in the development of the sport in the country. The association has been organising such programmes for the last five years. — HNS

Maradona to stay

BUENOS AIRES: Diego Maradona insisted that he has no intention of abandoning his post as Argentina coach, dismissing reports linking him with a move to English Premier League Portsmouth. “I was watching TV and a journalist said that Maradona was going to quit the national team. No, the blue and white colours (of Argentina) are in my veins,” said Maradona. “No way would I jump ship. I will stay with Argentina until the 2011 Copa America.” Last week, Dubai-based Arabian Business magazine claimed Maradona would work alongside new Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim as the club’s global ambassador. — AFP