Kenya Karate Federation ready to host regional karate tourney

Grace Njeri (left) of St. Johns Karate Club fights with Purity Ngugi (right) from NSSF in the ladies 50kgs category finals during the 2018 Kenya Open Karate Championship at the Patel Samanj hall in Mombasa on April 2, 2018. [Gideon Maundu, Standard]

Kenya Karate Federation (KKF) are looking forward to hosting a successful Union of African Karate Federations’ (UFAK) Region East tournament slated for May 16-21 at Kasarani Gymnasium.

Nine countries have already confirmed their participation in the regional tournament which is making a comeback to Kenya for the first time since 2009.

They include Kenya, Rwanda, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti and Mauritius.

Kenya will be represented by 58 karatekas (two teams) in the tournament that will feature juniors, cadets and seniors’ categories both male and female.  

The national team which has been training at Utalii Grounds for the last two weeks will report to a residential camp at Kenya Institute of Special Education today.

There will be a two-day training for referees and judges between Tuesday and Wednesday before the tournament kicks off on Thursday.

But for Kenya to perform well in the tournament that has attracted over 300 players, KKF treasurer and head of logistics Biutha Mosomi has urged the Ministry of Sports to approve the requested funds for the event.

“Everything is set and we are more than ready to host a successful tournament. The players are in good shape and from the training we have had I’m confident they will make us proud. The only thing we are waiting for is funds from the government,” said Mosomi.

“As the host team we will field two teams, while Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda have entered 15, 14, 12 and nine players respectively. Let fans turn out in large numbers and enjoy the event.”

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