EIGHT young karatekas from Cebu will be flying to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to compete in the first-ever Shureido Cup Karate championships on Aug. 14

to 18, 2019.

Members of the Sports Karatedo Organization (SKO)-Pilipinas, based in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, will be representing Cebu in the international event organized by the Sabah Karate Association in Malaysia.

Jess Paredes, SKO-Pilipinas chief instructor and coach, said their team will be led by bemedalled karateka Janine Narboada.

Narboada reaped various gold medals in the kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) events, including the Karate Pilipinas 2019 national championships held in Pasig City last May 3 to 5.

She also led Team Cebu in reaping 18 gold medals during the Manuel Veguillas Memorial International Karate Cup at Pasay City last January.

Joining Narboada in Malaysia are fellow Team Cebu members John Cyril and John Rans Mahinay; Alex Carmille Patalinghug, Alexis Nicole Villacarlos, Christine Marie Sacedon, Jhudiel Olivar and Tresha Jean Ogoc.

This would be the first time that the eight karatekas will compete outside the country. (JKV)