More countries check in ahead of UFAK Karate Championships

Defending overall champions Ethiopia are among the expected participating countries, alongside Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, the Comoros, and Mauritius.

Madagascar became the first delegation to jet into the country on Tuesday afternoon through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, officially marking the beginning of team arrivals ahead of the championships.

The Malagasy contingent, consisting of four athletes, an international referee and their head coach, was received by Kenya Karate Federation President Eng. Richard Binga together with local federation officials.

Speaking during the reception, Binga assured participating nations that Kenya was fully prepared to host the regional showpiece.

“We are expecting 11 other countries to land in Nairobi, and Madagascar is the first to arrive,” said Binga. “We have made all the necessary preparations to receive them and ensure they have a seamless experience as we build up to the main event.”

According to the federation, the opening days of the championship will focus on technical preparations, including referee briefings, upgrade assessments, and coaches’ training sessions before the competition officially gets underway over the weekend.

Madagascar Karate Federation President Émile Ratefinanahary praised Kenya for taking up hosting duties, noting that regional tournaments remain important in promoting karate development within East Africa.

“Since 2022, this region has faced structural and logistical difficulties that hindered major events,” he said. “For the last three years, we have been working hard to promote karate in East Africa.”

He further noted that the tournament will provide athletes with valuable exposure ahead of the All-Africa Karate Championships scheduled for September in Algiers, Algeria.

Despite arriving with a small squad, the Malagasy team expressed confidence after completing a three-month intensive training camp ahead of the championships.

With more delegations checking in and final preparations underway, anticipation continues to build for what is expected to be a highly competitive regional showcase of martial arts talent.