Over 100 karatekas are set to converge in Windhoek next weekend for a national championship, aimed at assessing their readiness for upcoming local and international competitions. 

The tournament, organised by Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia (OGKN), will provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent and measure their progress.

Stephan van de Merwe, who is part of the organising team, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that a diverse group of competitors, ranging from ages six to 40, will participate. “We expect over 100 athletes at the event. While I don’t have the exact number, the participation will certainly be large,” he said.

He noted that the event will serve as a preparation ground for karatekas ahead of major tournaments such as the All-Stars National Championship, set for November. “This is an opportunity for athletes to test their skills
and track their progress over the
past few months,” Van de Merwe added.

The annual in-house championship holds great importance for the OGKN, as
it allows athletes to build
confidence by competing against familiar opponents before advancing to larger stages. “It’s crucial for their growth as they gain experience and confidence
by sparring with people they
know, which prepares them for bigger competitions,” he emphasised.

Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission Freddy Mwiya also weighed in on the importance of such tournaments, stating, “It’s important for sports codes to have multiple tournaments as it allows for self-reflection and improvement. This event is a great platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, and try new challenges,” he added.

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na