第3回東京世界女子空手道選手権大会
THE 3rd LADIES' INTERNATIONAL KARATEDO CUP IN TOKYO '99
沖縄の武術として発祥した空手道は、人間形成への「道」である日本の伝統的武道として普及発展を遂げてまいりました。これは空手道が優れた教育の手段として、日本文化としての価値が認められて、世界中の人々からポピュラーなスポーツとして人気を得ております。
1970年に世界空手連盟(WKF)結成以来、現在では164ケ国の国と地域が加盟し約4,000万人の人々が空手道を親しんでおります。
東京に世界の女子強豪を一堂に会しての、第3回東京世界女子空手道選手権大会の開催は夢はるかオリンピックを目指すWKFが、くしくもIOC承認団体として認められたいま、オリンピック参加種目の条件である女子空手を世界にアピールする好機で大きな意義があります。
今回の参加は、前2回(23ケ国参加)大会参加を上回る28ケ国で、今回活躍が期待されたアメリカ・イギリスとイタリアのチームが自国の選手権大会があるため残念ながら不参加ですが、昨年のブラジルでの世界選手権で多くの入賞者を出したフランス、スペイン及びドイツの強豪がメダルを狙います。また、第2回大会で旋風を巻き起こしたユーゴスラビアも、どんな秘密兵器を持って望むか楽しみです。
昨年バンコクアジア競技大会で、インドネシア、フィリピン、タイをはじめアジアの競技力がどこまで世界に通ずるかたのしみの一つです。
迎え撃つ日本選手は、前2回の大会で7種目中5種目の優勝であったが、今回は勿論全種目制覇を狙う。第1回大会で組手2種目(+60、オープン)を制した鍋城泉選手と、第2回大会オープンの優勝者藤岡映里選手を柱に、学生界の覇者奥田優子選手、宮本佐知子選手と、新鋭笹有紀子選手・平野悠野選手で固めた組手選手団、形は、世界の女王若井敦子選手と団体形の若林春日・原千治・雨宮さゆりの日本チームが世界の王座を堅持できるか。
熱き華麗なる戦いを、その強さの瞬間を、美しさを、やさしい眼差しを、観客に贈ります。大きな感動をよぶ場面を期待して下さい。
The traditional Japanese martial art, karatedo, which originated as a martial art of Okinawa, has made progress as the "path (michi)" to the formation of people's character. It shows that karatedo is acknowledged by people in the world as a valuable educational means, valuable Japanese tradition, and a popular sport. Since the foundation of the World Karate Federation in 1970, membership of the World Karate Federation has spread to 164 countries and regions, and as many as 40 million people are now practicing karatedo. Holding the 3rd Women's International Karatedo Cup in Tokyo, gathering top athletes from all over the world, will surely have great significance in promoting Women's karate as an Olympic event, as now the World Karate Federation, aiming to join the Olympic Games, has been recognized as an IOC certified body.
The number of participants this year includes 28 countries and regions, exceeding the previous event (23 countries and regions).
Unfortunately, teams from the U.S., UK, and Italy, which were expected to compete ended were unable as they must first join championship in their own countries. We expect, however, the participation of teams from France, Spain, and Italy, which produced prize winners in the championship in Brazil last year, competing for medals. We also look forward to seeing a Yugoslavian team, creating a great sensation in the Second Women's International Karate Cup last year, to show us new techniques. Another expectation was given to the power of Asian teams since the teams from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand have Competed in the Asian Competition in Bangkok last Year.
The Japanese team won only five of seven categories on the Second Women's International Karate Cup, but of course aims to win all categories this time. The kumite team includes Izumi Nabeki, who carried away two gold medals in kumite categories (+60, Open) in the First Women's International Karate Cup, and Eri Fujioka, who carried away a gold medal in the Open category in the Second Women's International Karate Cup. Supporting are Yuko Okuda and Sachiko Miyamoto, who are most excellent in student's competition, and rookie athletes, Yukiko Sasa and Yuya Hirano. The kata team includes a "Queen" of the world, Atsuko Wakai as an individual, as well as Kasuge Wakabayashi, Chiharu Hara, and Sayuri Amamiya in the same team. Will Japanese teams be able to hold the premier position in the world?
We present to you the strongest moment, the beauty, and the gentle look of the magnificent competition of karatedo. We hope you look forward to great dramatic scenes.
