65 Belizean Karate Athletes Head to World Shoto Cup

Sixty-five Belizean karate athletes are heading to Mérida, Mexico, to compete in the World Shoto Cup, marking the largest delegation the Belize Shotokan Karate Association has taken to the tournament.

The delegation departed on Wednesday morning, with athletes and instructors looking forward to representing Belize at the competition, which is held every four years.

Floyd Lino, a member of the Belize Shotokan Karate Association, said the group was excited to participate in the tournament. “We are very privileged. This is the biggest delegation that we are taking to such an event,” he said.

Suzanne Singh, representing St Joseph Shotokan Dojo, says the tournament is a major gathering for the sport.

“This is a really grand occasion. The whole world of Shotokan will be there, and I’m just really happy to be part of the group that’s representing Belize,” Singh said.

She said the preparation had been exciting but demanding, and she hopes the team returns with medals.

Simeon Joseph, an instructor at the Dangriga Shotokan Karate Club, said the delegation was prepared to perform well after extensive preparation.

“We’re expecting our association to do very well. Lots of preparation has gone into this, so with that we are expecting very good results,” Joseph said.