The Oman Karate Committee announced that the third edition of the Khareef Dhofar Open Karate Championship will be held on August 21 and 22 at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Dhofar Governorate. The event, organised in collaboration with Dhofar Municipality and the Khareef Dhofar events committee, aims to develop karate across Oman and expand its participation base.
Dr Faisal bin Hamad al Maawali, Chairman of the Oman Karate Committee, highlighted that the championship provides a key platform for identifying emerging talent, enhancing athletes’ skills, and promoting Dhofar as a hub for specialised sporting events during the seasonal khareef period. Building on the success of the previous two tournaments, the third edition aims to cement the championship’s status as a prominent event on the Khareef Dhofar Season calendar.
The competition will follow the latest World Karate Federation regulations and is expected to feature broader participation and enhanced technical and organisational standards. Clubs, academies, and karate training centres from across Oman have expressed interest, with a large number of male and female athletes set to compete under the open-entry format.
The event includes individual and team kata, as well as individual kumite contests, spanning children, cadet, junior, youth, under-21, and senior categories for both genders. Competitions will adhere to approved age and weight classifications in line with international standards.
An international refereeing course will precede the championship to update officials on the latest rules and improve refereeing quality. From a technical standpoint, the tournament will allow national team coaches to assess performances and identify candidates for national development programmes. Organisers also emphasised that competing under international guidelines will prepare athletes for regional and global competitions, including Gulf, Arab, and Asian events.
Dr Faisal noted the event’s role in linking sports and tourism in Dhofar Governorate, as the arrival of athletes, officials, and their families supports local tourism and economic activity while showcasing the region’s natural attractions. Looking ahead, organisers plan to invite national teams and clubs from Gulf, Arab, and Asian countries, with the goal of establishing the championship as an accredited international open event.
The Oman Karate Committee expressed appreciation for the support provided by Dhofar Municipality, led by Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, the Khareef Dhofar organisational committee, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. The championship is expected to become a permanent fixture on the Khareef Dhofar Season calendar, contributing to the growth of karate and sports tourism in the Sultanate.