More than 400 athletes from 17 provinces are taking part in a national level karate competition which started on Saturday to select the best athletes for the national teams.

The athletes are from different weight and age categories.

“We have an event in Kazakhstan within the next three months. It is an international event of the International Ashihara Karate Organization,” said Wahid Ahmad Joya, head coach of the National Ashihara Karate Team. 

“At least 15 athletes will be sent to the international competition by the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport. We are selecting those 15 best fighters from national level competitions,” he added.

Athletes said they are well prepared to compete in the national competition and find their way to the national team and also to the international events on behalf of Afghanistan.

“Our team trained very hard. We have done our best and we will see what happens in the competition,” said Ahmad Rasheed, a karate fighter from Kabul.

“The level of the competition is high this year. Athletes have done better exercises. We will have better results this time,” said Mohammad Rafee, the coach of Kapisa province team.

After the competition 125 athletes from four age categories will be selected for the national Ashihara karate teams.