09 Jun 2025

The organiser of Sjapi Open Karate Championship 2025, Sensei Abraham Christopher has decried the low turnout at the second edition of the Sjapi meet on Saturday. 

Speaking in an interview during the tournament held at Serowe College of Education, Sensei Christopher said this year’s turnout was not impressive, but remained optimistic that the third edition would be bigger and better. He said though the turnout was low, the intensity was good enough to expose athletes to tough competition and prepare them for international stages. 

Moreover, Christopher said big karate clubs did not bring expected number of participants, adding that they also anticipated that  international participants from countries like Zambia would show up as they were invited but did not turn up. Furthermore, he said Zambia would be hosting an annual Karate International Championships tournament in August and he was hopeful that Botswana would send a formidable squad to compete in the meet. 

As for the next edition of the Sjapi Open Karate Championship, he said he would mobilise all the stakeholders to work around challenges and obstacles to ensure its growth. Sensei Christopher said lack of sponsorship was a major setback but he would work with the community to ensure they derive maximum results. 

As for the intensity of the tournament, he said it was more development oriented indicating that the Under 12 turn up was good. Sensei Christopher said it was his wish to retain and increase the numbers of participating athletes more especially the youth to ensure the growth of  karate in the country.  

Mogomotsi Kolobe of UB Karate Club who got position one in men’s senior category, said it was not an easy journey but was happy that he attained a gold, pointing out that last year he only went as far as securing a silver medal.

“It is imperative to correct the mistakes I made during the tournament to perfect my skill,” he said. 

Kabo Modisenyane of Palapye Karate Academy scooped the second position in the same category, while position three went to Kenneth Monyake of UB Karate Club. Katlego Mosweunyane of Francistown-based Kagiso Karate Club got position one in women’s category of Cadet -52 kg. She told BOPA that she was more than happy to scoop a gold in the category, noting she had prepared well for the tournament hence it was easy for her to sail through. ENDS