His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel (L) poses with his two gold medals as Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah looks on after yesterday's Shotokan Karatedo Brunei Darussalam's 1st Karatedo Championship 2014. Picture: BT/ Syarif Rasani
His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel in action during yesterday's Shotokan Karatedo Brunei Darussalam's 1st Karatedo Championship 2014. Picture: BT/ Rebecca Oi
His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel finished with two gold medals in the 1st Karatedo Championship 2014 held by Shotokan Karatedo Brunei Darussalam (SKBD) yesterday.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah was also present to watch HRH Prince 'Abdul Wakeel compete.
HRH Prince 'Abdul Wakeel secured his first gold medal after moving past three opponents before defeating Muhd Syahmi Zafran Bakar in the final of the boys' kata.
The bronze medals went to Muhd Earol Danish Muhd Affandi and Mohd Syahmi Zaffran Bakar.
HRH Prince 'Abdul Wakeel's second gold medal came courtesy of the boys' lightweight kumite.
The prince recorded two straight wins before taking down Abdul Qahhar Abdullah in the final.
Ahmad Hj Abdul Haini and Izzan Fauzan Hj Hashim walked away as the bronze medallists of the event at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman presented the medals for both categories.
SKBD vice-president Mohd Sofian Abdullah said that HRH Prince 'Abdul Wakeel has improved a lot since joining the club last year.
"HRH Prince 'Abdul Wakeel learns very fast, especially the kata," said Mohd Sofian.
SKBD president Hj Malai Mohammed Hj Malai Othman explained that the competition is to celerate the club becoming a full member of the Brunei Darussalam Karatedo Federation (BRUKAF) in 2012.
"This is sort of the anniversary competition of us being affiliated with BRUKAF," Hj Malai told The Brunei Times.
"This is also the time for us to identify the potential players for the future.
"Another thing is to give them real tournament experience so they can have a feel of how it may be at the Southeast Asian Games or Asean Karate Federation competitions.
"We are training them now, giving them the experience of competing at big tournaments and providing them exposure to prepare them for any future championships," he added.
SKBD are also affiliated with Japan Karatedo Maruyoshikai Organisation (JKMO).
The competition attracted over 80 contestants.
BRUKAF president Pg Hj Yura Kesteria Pg Setia Negara Dr Hj Md Yusof officiated the opening ceremony.
