THE 2nd International Shotokan Karatedo Federation (ISKF) World Shoto Cup 2012 will be held in Cebu on Nov. 6 to 11 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Fifteen countries, including the Philippines, will be participating in this prestigious tournament that was supposed to be held in Barbados. But organizers there backed out due to financial constraints.
ISKF Philippines, with the help of Smart, Unilever and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), grabbed the chance to host the event that is held once in four years. The Philippines was supposed to be the hosts in 2020.
“We are up to the task of making this happen and making this successful because it’s not just an ordinary organization, it’s ISKF and it’s globally recognized as the biggest karatedo organization,” said ISKF Philippines director David Lay during a press conference at the Yayoy’s Grill yesterday.
Cebu coordinator Reynan Vidal and tournament manager Raymund Lee Reyes were also present during the gathering.
The United States of America bagged the most number of medals four years ago in Alberta, Canada.
The Americans are considered one of the top teams but Lay said South Africa will also be a team to watch as it is sending 93-man contingent.
The tournament will feature competition in junior (8-17 years old), adult (18-44 years old) and seniors (45 years old above).
Lay and tournament manager Raymund Lee Reyes have already selected some of the country’s best to man the Philippine Team. They will be filling in for the National Team which will be competing in Iran for another tournament.
“Actually the Philippines is considered one of the top contenders according to the assessment given to us by the Americans because they saw a very good grassroots development program here,” added Lay.
Team Philippines will be spearheaded by Southeast Asian Games medalist Cebuano Oj delos Santos.
Master Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th Dan Shotokan master will witness the tournament along with other high ranking masters from Japan. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL