Chinese Karatekas Eye Olympic Qualification in Shanghai

Karate 1-Premier League’s fourth stop on the 2019 season will take place this weekend at the Gymnasium of the University of Finance and Economics in Shanghai, China.

One year after hosting its first major World Karate Federation (WKF) event, over 500 athletes across 76 countries, including 12 reigning world champions and all Grand Winners, will flock to the largest city in China with desires for gold and 2020 Olympics qualification.

“This event will be a great opportunity for our friends from all over the world to see first-hand the development of our nation, our progress and our culture,” said Xiaoyan Yin, China’s top-ranked karateka.

In last year’s event, which featured more than 1,100 participants with about 25 countries scoring medals, China took home four medals. Li Gong won a gold medal in female kumite in the under-68 kilograms category, while Mengmeng Gao took home silver in the same competition and Xiaoyan Yin winning bronze in -61kg female kumite. The Chinese female kata team won silver as well.

“Karate in China has made great achievements over the past 10 years,” Yin said. “Whether it is at [the] professional level or in popular public activities, these achievements have helped to spread the sport in the country and they have been acknowledged by the WKF. Our intention has been to host events and to continue contributing to the development of karate worldwide.”

Original Story: Inside the Games