PH to host 2026 WKF Karate One Youth League in May

MANILA, April 5 ------ After the country's hosting of international tennis and futsal tournaments, the Philippines is welcoming the global karate community in a premier youth competition. The Philippines will host the Karate One Youth League Manila, sanctioned by the World Karate Federation in May.

The premier competition is focused on developing young karatekas and help them progress to higher level tournaments like Premier League and Series A. "We are set to develop our youth. Kasi yung seniors ng Karate Pilipinas, iilan lang yan. We need to develop the youth, kasi pa-retire na yan eh... It's so difficult to bring them [the youth] abroad. They need bigger exposure, so why not bring it [the competition] here," Karate Pilipinas President Richard Lim said at the press conference on Friday.

Organizers said there are 34 categories: Under 14 (12-13), Cadet (14-15), and Junior (16-17) for kata and kumite. The athletes who compete in the tournament join to get Youth League ranking points. The Manila leg of the Karate One Youth League is part of a series of six international tournaments which will visit countries like the United Arab Emirates.

The competition is expected to gather about 3,000 athletes, 500 international and local officials, and thousands of parents, families, coaches, and supporters. The country's hosting of the premier youth competition aims to position the Philippines as a top host of global sporting events, looking to boost sports and local tourism. "3,000 kids, hindi po pupunta yan sa Pilipinas na walang magulang. So kung 3,000 ang bata, kahit isang magulang lang 6,000 na [gastos]..... Sa hotels pa lang, P75 million na po yan, wala pa yung pagkain, wala pa yung tour, shopping, P75 million ang economic contribution," Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio said. "Aside from that, it is developing the grassroots. Bata pa lang sila andun na sila international level, world level competitions in their own country, in their own place. You can imagine those are not karate athletes na naging aspiration yan," he added.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino underscored the importance of investing on the youth. "Every month may ganap whether its world, ASEAN, ASIAN, meron tayong tournament dito sa Philippines na world-class... This is good for the youth, this is an investment for the youth," he said.

The Karate One Youth League Manila is scheduled from May 14 to 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com