YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG AL-SULTAN ABDULLAH RI'AYATUDDIN AL-MUSTAFA BILLAH SHAH INAUGURATES THE 19TH ASIAN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP

MELAKA (21 July): In a momentous ceremony at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh, the 19th Asian Senior Karate Championship and the 2nd Asian Para-Karate Championship were formally inaugurated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The championship began today and runs for three days.

His Majesty arrived at MITC at 4:28pm, accompanied by the Governor of Melaka, Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, and her deputy, Adam Adli Abd Halim.

Also present were State Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin; World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinos; Asian Karate Federation (AKF) President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi; and Malaysia Karate Federation (MAKAF) President Datuk Wira Nur Azmi Ahmad.

In his address, His Majesty expressed his admiration for the meticulous preparations made by MAKAF and conveyed his congratulations and appreciation to the organisers.

"I am truly impressed with the level of dedication and commitment demonstrated by the organisers, and I extend my warmest congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to the members of MAKAF," His Majesty said. "I pray for the success of our Malaysian karate athletes and hope that the people of Melaka will continue to extend their support to our national athletes."

A highlight of the ceremony came when Al-Sultan Abdullah struck the ceremonial gong six times, signifying the start of the championship.

Following the opening ceremony, His Majesty watched the final of the Women's Kata event.

The 19th Asian Karate Championship has drawn 388 athletes from 32 nations, including defending overall champions Japan, who won the title in Uzbekistan last year.

The 2nd Asian Para-Karate Championship is being held simultaneously, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and celebrating athletes of all abilities.

As Asia's karate community converges on Melaka, the championships stand as a testament to the unifying power of sport, bringing together cultures and nations in a celebration of athletic excellence.