Sport

Ainsley Walters, Gleaner Writer

HOSTS Jamaica are preparing to face the world's top five taekwondo teams at the National Indoor Sports Centre on July 4, in a showdown for the International Sports Karate Association (ISKA) Gold Cup.

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) world champions Argentina were the first qualifiers, representing South America in the continental tournament for which Jamaica has been handed a three-year franchise by the ISKA.

Former world champs Poland will represent Europe; world bronze medallists Canada are in for North America; the Pacific region is represented by New Zealand and Japan are in as Asian champions.

Jamaica's team captain, Jason McKay, said there were no surprises among the qualifying teams.

"Everybody we expected are in and this is definitely the best of the best coming for us. It is going to be a difficult task but I'm sure we'll be up to it," he pointed out.

Eliminations

Eliminations started in January for the ISKA Gold Cup, which is already being touted as the biggest martial arts tournament to be staged locally.

Jamaica, three-time world continental team-fighting champions, will start as favourites on home soil.

However, apart from Alrick Wanliss, Nicholas Dussard and Kenneth Edwards, sure starters for the micro, light and heavyweight spots, the full team has not been announced.

McKay said he expects a sold-out house on July 24.

Jamaica, who are enjoying a 35-match unbeaten streak, will be going all out for victory before departing for Orlando, Florida, where they will defend their World Continental title at the US Open.

The captain said fighting at home as champions means a lot to the team dubbed the Busta Fighters.

"We are fighting on local soil for the first time with a 35-match win streak stretched over five years," he pointed out.

"We consider the tournament important as we're defending the team-fighting title on home ground.

"Apart from competing for the coveted Gold Cup, we're defending our title as unbeaten ISKA world team-fighting champs," McKay added.

Boost for locals

Successfully staging the Gold Cup, McKay said, will mean a lot for local martial arts and sports tourism in particular.

Jamaica is also expected to benefit significantly from the staging of the 2014 ITF World Cup - the world's biggest taekwondo event - which is expected to bring 2,000 athletes to the island.

"So far the feedback has been very positive," McKay said. "We've been having a lot of requests about the Gold Cup.

"The main thing people are asking about is how many teams, but they've to understand this is a final. The competing teams qualified to reach the finals being held here."