23 Sep 2024

Over 350 karatekas from 20 clubs converged at the Jwaneng Debswana Club over the weekend for the 2024 Jwaneng Open Karate Championship tournament. 

The annual tournament, which attracted 500 entries competing on various categories, has been hailed as a success following the slow pick up post the COVID-19 era. 

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Jwaneng Karate Club chairperson, Kelebileone Motlhabani, said the tournament was living up to its initial objective of growing the sport around Jwaneng and ultimately across the country. 

She said the growth was not only reflected in the number of athletes participating but also the growth of skill displayed each year. 

“This is where we also spot talent from kids who can join the national team and represent the country on the international stage,” she said. 

Motlhabani said karate is an integral part of a child’s life, as it emphasised good personal attributes such as discipline and grooming. 

She appealed to sponsors to support them in order to reach other areas for grassroots development. 

Sensei Keorapetse Mogopodi acknowledged that karate has attracted many youth over the years, which shows tremendous growth in the country. 

He also said the Jwaneng Open Karate Championship continued to gain popularity as evidenced by the high turn-up of participants. 

Also, he said the tournament contributed towards sharpening the athletes’ skills and techniques and preparing them for tougher competitions. Meanwhile, Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) and Police clubs dominated the tournament, having recorded the highest number of entries at 59 and 91 respectively. 

In the Cadet Female Kata, Seabe Seametso won gold for the Jwaneng Karate Club followed by Ogaufi Ramotshwarapula of SSKB, while Police settled for position three and four through Naledi Gareanna and Ketshephaone Khata. 

The latter two went on to get Bronze in the Cadet Female Kumite-47 kg category, which was won by Katlego Mosweunyane of the Kagiso Karate Club, while Seametso got silver. 

For Cadet Male Kata, Norwebb Mogaka of Norwebb was crowned the champion after beating OJ Magale of SSKB in the final, while Atang Rapulana and Laone Kefitlhile got bronze for Tab and Police respectively. Ends