KARATE: Kenyans shine thanks to mental strength

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki hands over the overall trophy to Munawar Karate club. [Courtesy]

Kenya coach Peter Ombima praised his team’s mental strength following their dominant display at the Japan Karate Shotoronmei (JKS) tournament in Dubai where they scooped 16 gold medals.

Kenya, who were represented by 16 players, proved to shoulder above the rest as they emerged victorious in both the Kata and Kumite categories. Ombima’s side was ranked top after winning in both the junior and senior categories.

“I don’t think we faced poor opponents but it’s just that our preparation was very good especially mentally. That is the main reason why the team performed well. Most of the players were first-timers at such a level and it was really nice to see them do well,” Ombima said.

Apart from Chena Kuaranja, the entire team that did duty in the January 31 event is from the Munawar Karate Club in Mombasa.

Karanja, who is based at  Nairobi’s Self Defense Academy, was the only girl who represented Kenya in the Kata junior category where she clinched first position in the tournament which was largely graced by countries from the Middle East including Oman and Jordan.

“None of the teams we faced underrated our players and that shows that they respect us since they know we have the talent. We took the initiative of involving parents as well as corporates who facilitated the trip and I hope the exposure will be good for the players,” said Ombima.

It was the performance of nine-year-old Abdulrahman Abdallah that particularly left Ombima excited after the youngster braved sickness in the ring to clinch two gold medals in the Kata and Kumite categories. Amir Faraj, a 10-year-old, shone in the junior Kata number one and Kumite number two while Said Mohammed was the winner in the seniors Kata number one and Kumite number two.