The national karate team has started preparations for the East African Karate Championships scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 28 to 31 this year, in what is expected to be a highly competitive regional event.
Speaking to The Respondent Online, the Secretary General of the Tanzania Karate Federation (TKF), Jerome Mhagama, said preparations are progressing steadily, with athletes currently training through their respective clubs as they await the official residential training camp set to begin in early May.
He said the team is facing financial constraints, but efforts are ongoing to mobilise support from stakeholders, including the Government through the National Sports Council, to ensure smooth preparation and participation.
“We expect to start the official training camp early next month before travelling to Nairobi. Our squad includes experienced athletes, including champions from the Central Africa Championships, which gives us strong confidence heading into the competition,” he said.
Mhagama said the main objective is to represent Tanzania well and secure medals, noting that the championship is an important milestone for karate development in the East African region.
“Our focus is to compete strongly, promote the country internationally, and return with medals. This is a major regional championship that will test the strength of all participating nations,” he added.
He further explained that Tanzania is expected to send a team of 28 athletes who will compete in both kata and kumite categories, with kumite featuring various weight divisions.
Mhagama called on sports stakeholders, the private sector, and Tanzanians at large to support the team, stressing that proper preparation requires collective effort to avoid logistical challenges.
“Karate is a sport that continues to bring honour to the nation both locally and internationally. We urge stakeholders to come on board so that the team can prepare adequately and compete at its best level,” he emphasized.
The championships, organised under the African Karate Federation, are expected to bring together around 14 countries from across the region, including Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Somalia, and Sudan, among others, setting the stage for strong regional competition.
