Patna, Oct. 17: Twenty-three youths of the state capital started for Mumbai today to do a Dre Parker. Like Jaden Smith’s character from the 2010 Jackie Chan-starrer The Karate Kid, they too will take part in a karate competition.

Aged between 10 and 16, these youths will try out the martial form, that Bruce Lee described as the “art of fighting without fighting”, at Akshay Kumar International Invitational Karate Do Championship. The competition would be hosted at Andheri in Mumbai from October 19 to 23.

The team comprises 22 school students and their coach, Pankaj Kambli. The coach, also general secretary of Sports Karate Association of Bihar, will take part in the senior category of the competition.

Before starting out today, Pankaj said: “It is a great moment for all of us. The best thing for me is that I am going to take part in the championship along with my students. While I will be busy coaching them, I will also prepare myself to perform to the best of my ability.”

The championship will not only allow the youth to showcase their mastery over the martial art but will also provide them an opportunity to interact with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. Akshay, a black belt in taekwondo, is one of the sponsors of the tournament.

Kambli said coaching during the competition would not affect his performance at all. “The championship for the junior category will be held first. So, when I coach them, I will think only about their performance. After they are done, I will concentrate on my own practice. Also, we practise all through the year.”

Sources said the expectations from the team are very high, as many of them have earlier taken part in national and international competitions. Some of them have even won medals.

Sumaila Ambreen, a Class XI student of Loyola High School and a member of the team, said: “I have won four gold medals at international competitions since 2009. I have competed against fighters from Japan and Korea. I am confident I will perform well in this competition as well.”

Recalling her past games, 16-year-old Ambreen said: “In the last competition, one of my opponents was hospitalised, and another started crying after seeing me. I have that effect on my opponents. I tend to scare them.”

The kata black belt, however, is more excited about meeting Akshay Kumar. “I am really excited about meeting Akshay. He is one of my favourite actors. Meeting him will be another victory for me.”

Asked about the new trend of youths taking up karate, Kambli said: “Players are getting jobs now. This is a motivating factor. We are eager to win and perform well for our state.”