General Mophuting was speaking at the official opening of the BDF Karate Open Championships on Saturday.

The tournament, which was hosted at the state-of-the-art UB Indoor Sports Arena, attracted elite karate athletes from clubs and institutions across the country with high octane action, high-level competition, discipline and sportsmanship.

According to organisers, the tournament aimed to strengthen the development of karate in Botswana by providing athletes with a platform to test their skills, gain competitive experience and prepare for regional and international events. 

General Mophuting, a karate instructor in his own right, expressed immense gratitude to the participation of different karate styles and clubs saying it was pleasing to see the warmth displayed in coordinating such a tournament.

“Unity is imperative irrespective of the karate styles we have, we might differ in federations and styles but what we teach and offer to our students is the art of karate in the general sense. This calls for us to join forces and elevate the art to new and greater heights,” said General Mophuting.

He appealed to karate leadership to sow seeds of unity and revisit their old ways of doing things, which resulted in the molding of reputable karatekas. 

He said he would be privileged to work with willing partners to take the sport back to its formative glory days.

“Be part and parcel of the growth of karate in this country. We as the BDF appreciate your service and pledge to continue to support you in your different endeavors,” he added.

Sensei Mophuting applauded the participation of youth as young as nine years, who graced the occasion urging them to take up karate as it nurturing their character and personal development.

He also paid homage to sensei Fish Masilo who remained active in karate despite his advanced age. Sensei Masilo now 90 years graced the tournament.  

The tournament featured various age groups and categories creating opportunities for both emerging and seasoned karatekas to showcase their talent.

BDF alone was represented by athletes from its seven karate clubs from different barracks.

SSKB karate clubs scooped the team events in both kata and kumite while reigning national women’s champion Centy Kgosikoma repeated her fine form in the ladies’ individual kata category.

Africa WKF champion Chris Junior Kgosi scooped the 12-13years boys’ individual kata while another enterprising karateka Lethabo Sekano was unstoppable in the ladies individual kumite category. 

Kgotla Maranyane was awarded the 84kg kumite class while Ofentse Bakwadi and David Hubona emerged victorious in the veteran and masters’ category respectfully.

In the boys 10-11 years kumite Mohau Tshukudu was crowned champion, eight – nine years’ female kata sensation Palesa Rasejo emerged victorious after a tough preliminary while in the 16-17 years’ individual female kata Barona Cleo of SSKB karate club scooped the gold medal. In the senior female under 55kg category hard hitting Tshegofatso Chepete was crowned the overall champion. ENDS