The 7th Asian Karate Championships kicked off Thursday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region.

An opening ceremony of the event, scheduled from May 19 to 22, was held here at the gymnasium of the Macao Polytechnic Institute.

Chang Kuang Huei, president of the Asian Karatedo Federation, said while addressing the ceremony that some 500 athletes from 26 nations and regions contest in the tournament.

It is for the first time the leading Asian Karate games cover the senior, junior and cadet levels in one tournament, said the official.

Vong Iao Lek, acting president of the Macao Sports Development Board, said the holding of the tournament will hopefully boost the sports in Macao.

The tournament is co-hosted by Macao Sports Development Board and the Karate Association of Macao.