KABUL (PAN): The Afghan national team left on Sunday for India to participate in the first-ever South Asian Karate Championship, scheduled to be held in New Delhi there from Nov. 21 to 23.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries -- Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka -- are participating in the championship.

Eight athletes between 50-85 kilogram weight category, two coaches, a referee and two officials are part of the Afghan squad, the team manager told Pajhwok Afghan News. Mahboob Sarwary said the team was well-prepared.

An athlete, Rahmatullah Hassani, said: "We have done enough practice for the event and prayers of the people will help us earn the title."

Mina Asadi, a woman, is among the team members. Having taken part in a number of competitions, she was happy over being included in the squad.

mm/mud