According to VNA correspondent in Japan, dozens of athletes from 7 Vietnamese Karate clubs across Japan participated in a total of 16 competitions such as Kumite black belt, Kata black belt and team Kumite. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tai, Head of the Organizing Committee, said that the purpose of organizing this tournament is not only to be a sports exchange event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, but also an opportunity to test and evaluate the athletes' abilities, selecting talented individuals to participate in major tournaments in Japan.

Mr. Do Quang Ba, Chairman of FAVIJA, said that the formation of sports clubs, including Karate clubs, helps young people improve their health, promote Vietnam - Japan exchanges, and limit inappropriate behaviors while martial arts promote the cultivation of qualities, ethics and social behavior.

The tournament also attracted the attention of Japanese audiences. Mr. Kirii Kimihito, a former Karate athlete and currently a coach of several Japanese Karate clubs, said he was surprised that this is a traditional Japanese sport but is practiced and competed by many young Vietnamese people. The tournament will be an opportunity for Japanese people to have more opportunities to interact with young Vietnamese people who love sports.

After a day of exciting and dramatic competition, the Organizing Committee awarded the first prize to the Ikebukuro Club, the second prize to the Tennoji Club and the third prize to the Ken Tokyo Club./.

Duc Thinh/VNA