Launceston to host 2019 Australian Karate Championships

The news comes as the city prepares to host the Australian under-18 hockey titles for the second time in three years with the Oceania road cycling champs following later this month.

It follows last month’s announcement that the AFL’s National Inclusion Carnival will be held in Launceston for the first time in June and is further endorsement of the region’s “cool season strategy” which seeks to attract more visitors in winter months.

Australian Karate Federation Tasmania president Stuart Eaton was delighted to secure the national championships, which will be held at the Silverdome from August 1-4, 2019.

“It is a very prestigious event,” he said.

“In excess of 2000 people will attend during those four days with 500-600 competitors, so it’s going to be quite a boom for the town. The national body said they would love to have it here, they love coming down to Tasmania.”

The event has twice previously been held in Hobart but Eaton said organisers are receptive towards visiting regional cities.

“It is being held in Caloundra this year so does not necessarily have to be a capital city.

“Launceston is perfect for what we require to host this event. The Silverdome is ideal. It’s in a great location and is a world-class venue when it comes to accommodating our needs.”

Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin also welcomed the news.

“It’s hosting events such as the national karate championships that can make a big difference to our city and region’s tourism businesses, especially during the cooler months when we generally see fewer visitors than in the summer period,” he said.

“The team at Tourism Northern Tasmania is committed to working with council, our venues and tourism businesses and Events Tasmania in securing more events during the cool season, positioning Launceston as a truly world leading region city.”

Griffin said hosting national karate, hockey and football championships “prove just how competitive we are in hosting major events”.

The Australian under-18 hockey championships begin on Tuesday and run until March 21. They were also staged in Launceston in 2016 and will return in 2020, with Hobart hosting the 2017 and 2019 tournaments.

The Oceania road cycling titles from March 23-25 will stage time trials at Evandale and road races at Railton while the AFL national inclusion carnival, for the country’s best players for athletes with a disability, will be from June 18-23 with its grand final before Hawthorn’s match with Gold Coast.