More than 1,000 pupils from primary and secondary schools across Tanzania are expected to take part in the second edition of the Inter-School Karate Tournament, which will be held today at the Don Bosco grounds in Upanga, Dar es Salaam.
The tournament has attracted strong participation from both boys and girls, reflecting the rising interest in karate among school-going children.
Organisers say the competition is part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development, nurture young talent, and build a strong foundation for karate in the country.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Secretary General of the Tanzania Karate Federation (TSKF), Jerome Mhagama, said the main goal is to promote karate in schools and ensure the sport grows from an early age.
He said the tournament, now in its second edition, has already begun to show positive impact since its introduction, with increasing participation and improved performance among young athletes.
“We are expecting even tougher competition this year because many children have trained harder and significantly improved their skills,” said Mhagama.
He added that beyond competition, the tournament will also serve as a key platform for talent identification, where promising players will be selected for national youth teams.
The federation plans to use the event to discover new talents and address gaps in various categories of the national squads.
Mhagama further noted that TSKF is continuing its efforts to integrate karate into the school curriculum through a structured programme that has already been developed.
He said implementation has started in selected private schools, while discussions are ongoing to extend the initiative to public schools.
He expressed optimism that starting next year, karate could be officially included in national school sports competitions such as UMITASHUMTA and UMISETA.
According to him, this step would significantly expand participation and ensure more children across the country are reached.
He emphasized that incorporating karate into school sports systems will not only develop athletes but also contribute to the overall growth and professionalization of the sport in Tanzania.
Mhagama also highlighted the broader benefits of karate, saying the discipline plays a vital role in shaping children’s character.
He noted that the sport helps instil discipline, build confidence, enhance self-awareness, and promote mutual respect among participants.
“Karate is not just about winning or losing. It is about building disciplined, confident, and respectful young people who can contribute positively to society,” he said.
He called on members of the public in Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas to attend the tournament in large numbers to support the young athletes and witness emerging talents.
Organisers believe the Inter-School Karate Tournament will continue to grow in size and impact, becoming one of the key platforms for developing future karate champions in Tanzania.
