“I hope I can win a medal!”  Dutch hopeful Samantha van Lokven’s optimistic words represent the common feeling shared by the over 50 competitors from the host country participating at the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam. As the second big event of the international season starts on Friday on the Dutch city, local idols aim at succeeding at home.

“I hope I can win a medal!”  Dutch hopeful Samantha van Lokven’s optimistic words represent the common feeling among the over 50 competitors from the host country participating at the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam. As the second big event of the international season starts on Friday on the Dutch city, local idols aim for gold at home.

The task of taking the flag of the organising country to the top of the podium appears arduous for the 55 Dutch karatekas who represent the host nation at the anticipated event being held in Rotterdam from March 17 to 19. No less than 1175 athletes from 73 countries have confirmed their participation at the tournament; among them, World champions, world ranking leaders and the biggest names of the sport lead the way. Enthusiasm and expectations are nonetheless high among the athletes hoping to use the home ground factor in their favour.

“Many high-level competitors will participate at the Karate 1-Premier League in Rotterdam. So competition will be fierce. I want to win as many rounds as possible and I hope to win a medal,” declared Samantha van Lokven.

The 22-year old Dutch heroine will be one of the names to watch for locals fans going to Topsportcentrum sports hall in Rotterdam. The defending national champion hopes to take her chances in order to shine in front of family and friends.

“Naturally, all the participants grasp at any opportunity to show and prove their level, and the Rotterdam event is such a great opportunity with top competitors from so many countries,” said the six-time Dutch champion.

Karate's growing impact in The Netherlands

The intention of the large local delegation is to repeat and even improve the count of three gold and one bronze medals which was achieved at the 2016 edition of the event. This tally which placed The Netherlands in third place of the final standings of the tournament.

Samantha van Lokven, who competes in Female Kata category will be one of the fan favourites of host representatives. Also on the list, two-time European champion and winner in Rotterdam last year Vanesca Tania Nortan, current World Championships silver medallist Geoffrey Berens, and three-time European champion Timothy Petersen among others.

“Karate in the Netherlands is growing because of the (inclusion of the sport in the) Olympic Games in 2020. Besides, The Netherlands has a long history in karate going back to the 1970’s. Over the years, Dutch competitors have been pretty successful, with a couple of world champions to boot,” commented van Lokven, who has a big goal on her mind.

“Success so far (in The Netherlands) has been limited to kumite. With kata becoming more popular, there is the chance of kata becoming successful as well. It is also my ambition, to become the first Dutch competitor to be successful at senior European Championships (in kata),” stated the young karateka who is one of the images of the event this year.

Hopes and dreams of hundreds of Karatekas and Karate fans around the world will capture the spotlight from Friday, as the second Karate 1-Premier League tournament of the season takes the stage of the sport with a memorable and anticipated event, which can be followed live at karatewold.tv.

About Karate World TV Channel 

The Karate World TV Channel gives fans around the world a front row seat to view all the Karate 1- Premier League events. By signing to the Karate World TV Channel, Karate fans will receive all the excitement of the 2017 Karate 1-Premier League in HD, including all five tournaments LIVE, On-demand event replays, Video On Demand and Exclusive Content. 

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