Akshay Kumar starts karate tournament

Akshay Kumar has kicked off his own three-day karate tournament to celebrate the sport.

The Akshay Kumar Invitational and International Karate Championship finishes on October 22 after taking in countries including Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Japan.

He told Mumbai Mirror: "Karate is me. I am Akshay because of karate. I owe it my life, my career, my reason for being the disciplined action hero that I am.

"I think karate should be made compulsory in schools so that children have the ability to defend and discipline themselves.

"I got a special opportunity. My father let me practice. Now, I want to be like a father to those who are not as fortunate. I wish I could do more.

"Right now I am funding, feeding, supporting and organising this tournament to find the best so they can compete internationally and boost karate in India to the next level."

Over 7,000 fights have been scheduled between 4,500 fighters for the three-day tournament.

In June, Kumar revealed that he would undertake intensive training in the martial arts in order to prepare for his next role in Rowdy Rathore.

The actor admitted prior to taking on the role that he was keen to star in action films again after appearing in a series of dramas and comedies.