112 karatekas selected at national trials

NAMPA

A national squad of 112 athletes was selected during the Namibia Karate Union’s national trials held in Windhoek earlier this month.

A media statement issued by the union this past Friday said the trials were limited to athletes who placed either first or second in the 2017 national champs. One wildcard entry per style division was also allowed.

The primary objective was to select athletes to represent Namibia at numerous international events throughout 2018.

“The trials not only highlighted Namibia’s greatest karate talents, but also served as a basis for the selection of a larger squad to develop the sport in Namibia and prepare our athletes for elite level competitions,” it said.

Athletes competed in both kata and kumite across 58 categories. Kumite is roughly defined as punching, while kata involves kicking.

The squad of 112 athletes is made up of 77 male and 35 female athletes.

Over the next few months, they will undergo rigorous training and physical testing before national karate coach, Sensei De Wet Moolmann, makes his final decision regarding his national team.

The national team will compete in the Region 5 Karate Championships in Gaborone, Botswana on 26 May.