TAMPARULI: The 3rd Shitoryu Sabah Inter-Zone Karate Championship concluded with Zone 3 Shitoryu Sabah securing the overall title at Dewan Tun Hamdan, Tamparuli, on Saturday.
The championship featured participation from 137 athletes across various age categories ranging from six years old to above 40, reflecting the continued growth of Shitoryu karate in Sabah.
Zone 3, represented by dojos Kibbas, Kundasang, Mengkapoh, Nunuk Ragang and the Ranau District Karate Association, led the medal tally with 16 gold, 11 silver and 19 bronze medals.
Zone 2, comprising dojos Gontung, Guakon, Limbungan and Nabalu, finished second with 10 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals.
Zone 1, made up of dojos Malawa, Manggatal and Putatan, placed third after collecting five gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals.
In the individual awards, Lara Isidora Raja from Zone 1 was named Best Female Athlete.
Sylisaac Immanuel Sylvalerian, also from Zone 1, was named Best Male Athlete, with both athletes representing the Putatan Karate Association.
Shitoryu Sabah Association president Gesiri Gambung (pic) said incentives totalling RM3,195 were presented to 32 athletes in recognition of their state-level achievements.
He said three athletes also received special incentives for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results, aimed at encouraging a balance between academic and sporting excellence.
He added that the championship helped to strengthen discipline, sportsmanship and unity among athletes while also serving as a platform to identify new talent.
Gesiri said he was satisfied with the improvement in performance and hoped the championship would continue to develop more athletes for higher-level competition.
The event was officiated by Tuaran Member of Parliament and Tamparuli State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.
