Published on - 11/2/2002
The first-ever Defence Services Karate Championship Tournament of the armed forces, Army, Navy and Air Force was held at Colombo's Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Monday ( November 25).
The tournament, designed to promote the concept of Karate among members of three armed forces and also to train players for international events was contested by 164 players, most of who were belt-holders. The tournament, among other things, was also aimed at activating physical and psychological strength of members of the armed forces. Black-belt and Brown-belt holders were among those competed in the event.
This first-ever Karate Tournament display of the armed forces, classified into Kumite Weight Class, Kata events and Kata group event categories, was coordinated by Colonel Sunil Dharmaratne, Chairman Defence Services Karate Committee, assisted by Minister of Sports and Youth affairs, Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka and Commanders of all three armed services.
Army Commander Lt. Gen. LP Balagalle RWP RSP VSV USP ndc IG awarding a trophy Winners at this tournament carried gold, silver and bronze medals and certificates but the trophy for overall championship was snatched by the Sri Lanka Army team. Sri Lanka Air Force carried the Runners-up trophy while Lance Corporal T. P. K. Edirisinghe of Sri Lanka Military Police Corps was adjudged the Best Player of the Tournament. Sri Lanka Air Force's LAC K.
V. R. N Somasinghe was however rated the Best Female player of the tournament.
Medals and trophies to participants were awarded by Commander of the Army Lt Gen L.P Balagalle RWP RSP VSV USP ndc IG, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Defence Services Karate Committee comprises of Major S. P. P Pakshaweera (Secretary) and Major E. J. C D Z Abeysekera (Treasurer).
