Dubai Open Karate Cup 2007-More international feats for local female karatekas |26 July 2007

Reigning female karateka of the year Valentin, who competes in the 60+ category, formed part of the Seychelles’ national selection who was participating at the 2007 edition of the competition organised from July 16 – 21 by the U.A.E. National Karate Federation and Dubai Fight Academy promotion group under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoom Bin Rashid Al Maktoom.

According to Donald Celestine, who was heading the Seychelles’ delegation at the tournament, Valentin almost lost the bout due to bad officiating. After the contest ended on a draw, the referee declared Valentin’s Iranian opponent the victor. It was only after intervention from Seychellois officials that an extra round was allowed in which Valentin managed to outscore her opponent to clinch victory and the gold medal.

Seychelles’ other gold medal at the competition came courtesy of the senior male kata team comprising Bernard Cafrine, Brian Constance and France Emmanuel.

In the 80+ kumite, Phillip Agathine managed to win a silver medal while five other fighters won bronze in their respective categories.

Danny Emmanuel won the bronze medal after finishing third in the -60 kumite category while in the same event, Nathaniel Albest and Steven Freminot also won bronze in the -65 and -70 categories respectively.

In the open weight kumite category, Peter D’acambra won a bronze while Bernard Cafrine clinched a bronze in the individual male kata competition.

Still according to Mr Celestine, the competition was well organised in terms of accommodations and facilities.

“The team spirit was very high and the karatekas behaved very well thus displaying an ideal sense of discipline. Nevertheless, the officiating almost spoilt the tournament,” explained Celestine, who was also officiating at the tournament.

“The officials were bias and they favoured contestants hailing from Middle East countries. But this did not affect the self-confidence of our athletes,” added Celestine.

The delegation returned to the country last Sunday.

R. D.