19 Aug 2026

More than 350 karatekas from across the country will converge at BDF Donga hall on Saturday for the Botswana Kofukan Open Championship, hoping to make the national team cut for the 2027 Kofukan World Cup in France.

The tournament, organised by the Botswana Kofukan Federation, will feature contests in Kata, Kumite and Team events. 

BKF chairperson, Veronica Chube said the championship was  not about medals but focused on national team selection. 

“It is a platform for athletes to display their skills, secure national rankings, and feed into the federation’s grassroots development plan aimed at getting more youth into the sport,” she said.

Chube said Kofukan remained one of the most outstanding styles in the country with a membership of more than 2 000. 

The event will therefore also serve as a regional qualifier and a key part of team selection for upcoming international assignments.

Chube explained that more than 10 clubs were expected to take part, including Police, City Active, Orapa, Serowe, Palapye, Glen Valley, SSKB, Maun, Tutume, Thebe and Kagiso Karate Clubs, as well as karatekas from other styles such as Shukokai Shito-ryu and Shotokan. 

She said atheletes from tertiary institutions clubs were also expected to feature in large numbers.

Of the 350 athletes registered so far under BKF, about 300 are Cadets and Juniors with 20 in Senior and Veteran categories. 

Even though the event was meant for national athletes, she said Zimbabwe and Zambia had shown interest.  

Chube said BKF boasts of more than 30 qualified coaches and referees, with international accredited officials such as Webster Linchwe and Boston Rakgampu set to officiate. 

She said the use of an electronic scoring system through Sports Data would also be introduced to align with international standards.

All eyes will be on national team members, defending champions and rising stars, with names to be confirmed ahead of the tournament. 

Chube said some athletes were also expected to make their debut in senior categories or return to action after nursing injuries. 

Chube said the day would open with a ceremony that would be addressed by Brigadier David Nkete, who is also the BDF Karate chairperson. There will also be special demonstrations and self-defense displays.

Winners in each category will receive medals for position one to three, while overall best performers will walk away with trophies. The event is open to the public at an entrance fee of P20.

Chube acknowledged that the organising committee faced challenges with sponsorship and securing the venue, but said preparations were on track. 

She urged the public, former athletes and karate fans to come in large numbers to support the athletes. 

“The purpose is to grow the sport, identify talent, and give our athletes an opportunity to represent Botswana at the Kofukan World Cup in France in 2027.  We want to see more youth in clubs and Botswana flag being raised many times internationally,” Chube said. ENDS