KARATE

LEYTONSTONE-based East London Karate are celebrating after a success at UK Open Karate Champion-ships, writes Iain Liddle. Instructor Kim Singh led his team of 15 competitors (some pictured) to a seven-medal haul, including a gold for Petar Popov in the junior men's 16-17 fifth kyu and below competition.

Picking up silver medals were Antonia Heslop, Jamil Khan, Jihad Kassen and Ayesha Hannah Patel.

Bronze medal success was enjoyed by Abeyna Jonesy and Kai Ponde.

Singh said: "It's a great achievement. Some only travelled in order to gain experience of competition rather than pose a serious medal threat, so for nearly half to place is very pleasing."

The tournament sees over 500 competitors from around the UK taking part, including a number of England internationals.

The club, which is based at the Nexus Community Centre in Leytonstone, has a history of success having previously returned with 11 medals from a Europe-wide competition in Belgium.

For more details contact Kim Singh on 07956 961563.