Karate included in National Games

Chennai, Jan 22 (UNI) Karate has been included in the National Games and it would be part of other disciplines in the 33rd edition of the event to be held in Guwahati next month.

Talking to reporters here All India Karate-Do Federation (AIKF) Chairman 'Karate', R Thiagarajan today here said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had recognised the federation and also the present set of office-bearers of the federation.

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi had officially given the recognition and had accepted the present set of office-bearers. He had also officially written to the AIKF that Karate would be included in National Games.

He said the AIKF would make all efforts to promote the game and had planned to bring a reputed coach from Iran to coach the Indian Karatekas, by organising 15 days camp each in South and North India.

The Iran Coach was expected in April or May this year, he added.

Following are the office bearers: Chairman : Karate R Thiagarajan (Tamil Nadu) President : Rameshwar Nirwan (Rajasthan), Secretary : P R Ramesh (Chennai), Technical Director : Kanakaraj (Chennai), Treasurer : Bharat Sharma (New Delhi).

The AIKF had also elected three Vice-Presidents, three Joint-Secretaries and 12 Executive Members.

UNI