Syria Wins a Gold Medal in Marmara International Karate Championship

Muhannad Al-Ali won a gold medal Marmara International Karate Championship held in Istanbul in the individual fighting weight of 60 kg, and a bronze medal in the individual kata. Nearly 800 players from 20 countries across competed in the tournament over four days, while Syria was represented by three participants. Nasr Al-Hariri, Secretary General of the Syrian Coalition, praised Al-Ali’s winning of the medal despite the harsh conditions he has been going through. Ahmed Ali, head of the Syrian Federation of Karate and Judo said that their Turkish counterparts agreed to facilitate the training of the Syrian youth in the refugee camps and to hold tournaments to promote karate and inspire the Syrian youth. It is worth mentioning that the Syrian Federation of Karate and Judo was founded September 2014 by a number of international trainers who defected from the Assad regime in protest against its brutal crackdown against civilians. (Source: Syrian Coalition)