Kenya Police crowned inter-county karate tourney winners

Collins Obange of Kenya Police (in red gloves) in action against John Thuo of World Authority Traditional Karate Association (WATKA) during the National Inter-County Karate championships held at Masinde Muliro University. [MUMO MUNUVE, Standard]

The Kenya Police men's team has been crowned as the new Karate champions in the National Inter-County Karate championships held at Masinde Muliro University (MMUST) over the weekend.

They clinched the gold medal after defeating their closest rival, World Authority Traditional Karate Association (WATKA) in a competition that attracted more than 20 teams drawn from different counties across the country.

WATKA won a silver medal while Administration police finished third in the Kumite category where competitors land punches and kicks at their opponents to earn points.

Speaking after the win, Kenya Police coach Ali Nzaru expressed his happiness acknowledging that it was a hard-fought win which would propel the team to greater heights.

"The competition was very stiff but I thank the team for their determination. We had prepared thoroughly and came into the competition to win it," said Nzaru.

Nzaru noted that the win gave them a huge boost as they prepare the team for the upcoming national Karate Club championships to be held in Mombasa in November this year.

"We have been training for at least two hours every day for the tournament courtesy of the support from our seniors. We are mentally prepared for the club championships and hope the team will replicate the good results," he said.

The teams were drawn from Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Bungoma and Homa Bay counties.