Karate Canada – Berlin, Germany, September 17^th, 2018 – Over the weekend, Canadian National Team Roster members were in Germany for the Berlin Premiere League K-1 competition, which was held from September 14^th-16^th. The Canadian delegation included 12 athletes, accompanied by three coaches. A total of over 760 athletes from 70 countries competed in this event. This weekend event saw a number of spirited performances on the part of Canadian athletes, including one bronze medal, in this first important step towards Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification.

In women’s kumite, Haya Jumaa (-61kg), of Ontario, won her first two matches before losing to Leila Heurtault of France. Jumaa won a further three matches in repechage, defeating Giana Lofty of Egypt to take the bronze medal.

In men’s kumite, notable performance is that of Sarmen Sinani, of Ontario (-84kg), who won his first two matches before losing to Ugur Aktas of Turkey.

A further notable Canadian performance in women’s kata: Rita Ngo, of British Columbia, won her first two matches before losing to Italian opponent Viviana Bottoro.

The World Karate Federation’s Premier League K1 Series are important preparation events on the road to the next summer Olympic Games, taking place in Tokyo 2020.

About Karate Canada:

Karate Canada is a not-for-profit corporation constituted under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act, with the objective of describing and incorporating all activities related to the promotion, organization, regulation and popularization of the sport of karate all over Canada, of protecting the physical and emotional health of athletes, and of promoting the interests of karate throughout Canada. Karate Canada and its 11 member Provincial and Territorial Associations assemble roughly 16,000 participants nationwide. Furthermore, Karate Canada is a proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, the World Karate Federation and the Pan American Karate Federation. See more at www.karatecanada.org.