Senior, under-21, junior and cadet titles will all be on offer in Tashkent, where the Asian Karate Federation is also organising Asian Para Karate Championships for the first time.

That comes as the World Karate Federation lobbies for inclusion at the Paralympic Games.

Competition begins tomorrow with cadet kata and kumite plus junior kata events.

Senior competition is set to start on Sunday (December 18).

The following two days are due to feature senior kumite, kata and team finals.

Iran topped the 2021 medals table in Kazakhstan with 39 in total and 14 gold.

The country has sent the largest delegation this year, 62 athletes, despite continued unrest at home amid anti-Government protests.

Japan has sent 61 athletes and Kazakhstan 60.

Uzbekistan last held the Asian Karate Championships in 2019.