19 Jun 2022

 Karatekas displayed intense moments of energy charged fights and perfectly coordinated kata moves at the Gabs Open Championships.

The Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) sanctioned tournament was hosted by Hayashi Ha Botswana Karate Union and played before an exciting crowd at the Boipuso Hall in Gaborone.

The tenth edition of the annual tournament had attracted a considerable number of athletes even from across the borders who displayed their nippy moves from the onset of the day long matches. The final bouts were even more interesting with a number of shocking results.

In an undoubtedly the toast of the afternoon matches and what many considered as a rematch of the BOKA senior championships in the under 67kg division, it was sweet revenge for Oratile Caiphus who beat Dan Botlhamile, Quinton Mosupiemang and Namibian Freddy Mwiya to the first spot.

On the senior ladies under 55kg kumite, Tshegofatso Chepete clawed her way to the first spot after inching past favourite Centy Kgosikoma.

Lesego Masimola settled for the bronze medal on the third spot. In the senior ladies 55kg division, Onkemetse Chepete was crowned the overall winner ahead of another gold medal prospect, Lethabo Sekano. Suzelle Pronk and Otillia Okopeng settled for the third bronze medals.

Another interesting duel was in the elite boys’ kumite under 21 years, where Lefika Peter had it tough against Pako Segotsi in the final match. Laone Mosielele and Moagi Mmolai did not disappoint either in the preliminary rounds but were unlucky to convince the judges. Martin Matsake continued his impressive form in the elite boys’ kata as he was crowned the overall winner ahead of Motlhomi Makepe and Theo Keetile.

Louis Madibela also shocked Kao Nsala to the first spot in the boys 16-17 years kumite. He capped his great performance of the day by beating Nsala his closest rival in the final match. In the girls 14-15 years, Rorisang Lekgela beat her namesake Rorisang Lekoko to the first position.

In an interview on the sidelines of the tournament, one of the event organizers Shihan Mpho Bakwadi said they were impressed by the overall organisation of the matches and were planning to organize a more bigger and better event in the near future.

The tournament used to attract karatekas from as far as China and Estonia but could not make it this year due to various logistics. The tournament was also used to fine tune karatekas for the upcoming Commonwealth games. Ends