Not only will Akshay Kumar sponsor an invitational karate tournament in the city, he will also sponsor martial arts education in China and Japan for a deserving few. Says a source close to Akshay, “It has always been Akki’s dream to open a martial arts school. He tries to get land for it but he requires very big space for it, which he can’t get. This championship is his way of realising his dream. Apart from the championship, the most talented children will be short-listed by a team of world-class referees, judges and coaches from the championship.”
The source adds, “The children will not just study there but also prepare to take part in the Olympics. Akshay loves martial arts. He feels that it’s very important for everybody to go through training. The modalities for the selections of the educational sponsorships are being worked out.Akshay says,This karate championship is a dream I have been living for many years. Turning it into a reality has been one of my biggest highs in life. I am looking forward to the tournament in October and am hoping this tournament will encourage little Akshay Kumars all over India.
The actor adds, “I want to give a bit of myself back to the world. The only way I know how to do it is through karate. I want to make it happen for all those children who aspire to be like me. The kids participating in this tournament will get a chance to win a scholarship.” The Akshay Kumar 1st Invitational Open National Karate Championship takes place between October 22-25 at the Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai.
