Kathmandu: The fourth edition of the annual Krishna Prasad Bhattarai Memorial National Karate Championships is all set to be held from February 28 to March 2 at the Nepal Karate Academy in Satdobato, Lalitpur. 

The event to be organised by Nepal Karate Federation Lalitpur Main Dojo will see participation of all seven provincial teams along with three departmental sides – Nepal Police Club, Nepal APF Club and Tribhuvan Army Club, said the organisers at a press conference on Monday. 

Deepak Shrestha, the chief of Lalitpur Main Dojo, said that the men’s event will feature seven weight categories including 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 67kg, 75kg, -84kg and +84kg along with individual kata and team kata. The women players will vie in the 45kg, 50kg, 55kg, 61kg, -68kg and +68kg weight divisions along with individual and team kata. 

Dawa Gurung, the president of Nepal Karate Federation, said that all seven provinces have already picked players through selection tournaments. “The Krishna Prasad Bhattarai Championship is the most well organised karate event being held in the country,” said Gurung. “We are very much optimistic that the championship will serve as a platform for rookie and emerging players to showcase their talents.” 

The expected expenses for the tournament is Rs 5.5 million. 

Meanwhile, Godawari Municipality signed a sponsorship deal for the Championships with Lalitpur Main Dojo during the press conference. Dojo chief Deepak Shrestha and Godawari Municipality Mayor Gajendra Maharjan inked the deal. The Municipality will provide a purse of Rs 2 million to conduct the tournament. 

Bagmati Province Minister for Youth and Sports Min Krishna Maharjan, who initiated the championship, vowed to provide Rs 2 million budget from the Province Government.