The second edition of the All-African Kyokushin Karate Championship, held in Windhoek, promised to be a remarkable event, as announced during its launch at the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) offices yesterday.
This prestigious competition, organized by the Kyokushin World Union (KWU), was held at the Crete Gymnastics Club venue in Maerua Mall. Athletes from eleven African countries was set to compete for top honours.
Namibia was proudly represented by 150 athletes from the Namibia Full-Contact Martial Arts Federation, supported by 20 officials and 20 volunteers from eight regions.
Zambia Eyes the Prize
At the press conference, Zambian coach and technical director of Zambia Kyokushin Kenbukaikan, Shihan Farai Mangaba, voiced his team’s determination to succeed. He emphasized that the Zambian fighters came with the sole mission of winning medals.
“Zambia has brought six fighters, and we have promised our people that we will return with six gold medals. People should come see what Zambia has to offer in karate,” he declared.
Building Kyokushin Across Africa
Shihan Aleksandr Pichkunov, secretary-general of KWU, shared his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its significance for the development of Kyokushin in Namibia and across Africa.
“Thanks to the Ministry of Sports for supporting this championship, and to Shihan Simba [Mangaba], the main organiser. I hope this event goes well, and I encourage everyone to come and watch,” Pichkunov remarked.
Tunisian coach Shihan Ali Ghabbech also expressed his gratitude for the invitation and confirmed the full support of the Tunisian Federation of Kyokushin Karate and Martial Arts (FTKAM).
“We are here with four competitors—two women and two men. We invite everyone to witness this exciting event,” Ghabbech said.
A Gift for African Sports
Taha Bagga, president of the Kyokushin African Union, described Kyokushin karate as an invaluable asset to African sports. He noted that the union had already hosted two events in September alone, with competitions in Libya and Guinea leading up to the Windhoek championship.
“Kyokushin has now reached 33 countries across the continent, and that’s a significant milestone. We urge all federations to support our push to make Kyokushin an Olympic sport,” Bagga announced.
Namibia’s Challenge
NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya expressed excitement over the competition and acknowledged the early arrivals of teams from Zambia, Angola, Tunisia, South Africa, and Malawi.
“Our country is proud to welcome everyone, and we are eager to show our hospitality. Our minister will attend the official opening on Sunday, and we hope to promote this sport for future Olympic consideration,” Mwiya said.
In a light-hearted warning to the Zambian team, Mwiya added: “Winning won’t be so easy on Namibian soil. You might have come for six medals, but once you cross the Zambezi River into Namibia, those medals may not make the return trip.”
With such strong competition and enthusiastic participation, the All-African Kyokushin Karate Championship is set to be an exciting and high-stakes event for all involved.
