Nihon Karate Kyokai push for BOKA affiliation
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday June 19, 2024 14:14
“We have submitted our application but as we speak, we have not received a response from BOKA. We are not new members, we only changed our name, after moving from JKA Botswana, so I believe it should be a seamless process,” Nihon Karate Kyokai chief instructor, Tuelo Fish Masilo told Mmegi Sport . The karate style, meanwhile held its second edition of the Bandleng Ngwana wa Mo Africa Karate Championship at Lobatse town park over the weekend. The event organiser, Keone Kgorotlhe said the championship was a success as it attracted karatekas from Karate Nomichi, Botswana Kofukan Federation, Shotokan International Karate and Tenshinkan Federation Botswana. Participants came from places such as Good Hope, Bobonong, Gaborone, Thamaga and Otse. “The championships were open to all styles. The activities started on Friday with the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, with a walk to sensitize members of the public about the dangers of substance and alcohol abuse. Just like any urban area in the country, Lobatse is faced with challenges of substance abuse especially amongst the youth. Karate is about instilling discipline and I believe it is the right tool that can be used to fight against that. The town council leadership attended our event to show their support towards our activity,” he said. Kgorotlhe said in the first edition, 100 athletes participated while the second edition saw an increase to 150 students.
He said most of the students were part of the first edition. Lerang Modisane scooped a gold medal to become the Under-Eight champion, beating Charis Lelentle Kizika who settled for silver while bronze medal went to Bonolo Lekaba. Theo Medupe, Kgato Moreeng and Waone Kgorotlhe scooped double gold medals in kata and kumite in the same category. “There was an interesting battle between Yaone Kgorotlhe and Theo Medupe in the boys Under-14 kata. The two have always been usual contestants at national team selections, winning medals. Kgorotlhe has always been winning when he competed against Medupe but this time around, things changed. Medupe claimed the title while Kgorotlha settled for second spot. The two, together with Karowe Modisane have always been consistent medal winners,” he said.