A total of 778 karatekas representing 61 countries are expected to take part in the event, also known as the Lotto Dutch Open, at the Topsportcentre tomorrow and Sunday (March 19 and 20). 

Germany will be the largest delegation with 68 competitors, closely followed by France with 61. 

The Netherlands will be represented by a team of 43 athletes. 

"The Premier League games have proven to be very successful," said Herman van der Meulen, President of the Dutch Karate-do Federation.

"Quality is guaranteed, as the best martial artists in the world will compete against each other."

Among those competing in the event organised by the World Karate Federation are due to be Turkish star Serap Ozcelik, world champion in the women's kumite under 50 kilogram.

France’s Alizee Agier, world champion in the kumite under 68kg category, is another top name to look out for.

In the men's events, there is also two world champions competing. 

They are Brazil's Douglas Brose and Turkey's Enes Erkan, winners of the kumite under 60kg and over 84kg world titles in Bremen two years ago. 

Rotterdam will be the third Dutch city to host this Karate 1-Premier League event following Dordrecht in 2013 and Almere in 2014 and 2015.