Tanzania’s national karate team has intensified preparations ahead of the East Africa Karate Championships scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 28 to 31 this year.
The team has already begun training through their respective clubs while awaiting a residential training camp expected to officially start early next month.
The Secretary General of the Tanzania Karate Federation (TKF), Jerome Mhagama, said preparations are progressing steadily despite financial challenges facing the team.
Mhagama noted that the federation is working closely with stakeholders to mobilize resources, including support from the government through the National Sports Council, to ensure the team gets adequate preparation before the continental assignment.
He explained that while funding remains a key challenge, the technical preparations have continued, with coaches monitoring athletes’ performance across different clubs to maintain fitness and competitiveness ahead of camp.
“We are making arrangements to begin the official training camp early next month before traveling to Nairobi. The squad consists of experienced athletes, including champions from previous Central African competitions, and we are confident in their readiness,” Mhagama said.
He added that the team is focused on achieving strong results in both kata and kumite disciplines. The squad of 28 athletes will compete across various weight categories in kumite, while also taking part in kata events, which test technical precision and form.
Mhagama stressed that the Nairobi championship presents an important opportunity for Tanzania to strengthen its regional standing in karate and further develop its athletes through high-level competition.
“We are preparing not only to compete but also to represent the country with pride and discipline. Our goal is to perform well and return home with medals. This is a significant regional event, and we want to make the most of it,” he said.
He further called on sports stakeholders, private sector partners, and Tanzanians in general to support the team, emphasizing that proper preparation requires collective effort and resources.
“Karate continues to bring recognition to our country at both regional and international levels. We therefore encourage support from all stakeholders to ensure the team has the best possible preparation and participation,” he added.
The championships, organized under the African Karate Federation, are expected to attract around 14 countries from across the region.
Participating nations include Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, among others.
The event is expected to feature strong competition as some of the region’s top karate athletes battle for medals and regional supremacy.
