The 7th Southeast Asia Karate Federation Championship kicked off in the northern province of Bac Ninh on April 23.

Karate athletes (Illustrative image. Source: internet) 

The tourney was jointly held by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the General Department of Sports and Physical Training under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Southeast Asia Karate Federation.

Nearly 400 sports officials, coaches and athletes from seven countries in the region including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam were brought together at the event.

Vietnam sent 80 athletes to compete in the event which features the men’s, women’s teams categories and individuals’ classes divided into four groups of age: 14-15, 16-17, over 18, and under 21, to vie for 52 sets of medals.

The competition, which will run until April 25, creates a good chance for athletes from Southeast Asian countries to exchange experience and sharpen their skills as well as strengthen friendship in the common house of ASEAN.

On the first day of competition, Vietnamese team won nine gold medals.-VNA