By KPC Sports Reporter
Madagascar fired an early warning to Kenya and the rest of the region on Tuesday after becoming the first delegation to arrive in Nairobi ahead of the highly anticipated UFAK Region East Karate Championships scheduled for May 28–31, 2026 at the Nyayo National Stadium Indoor Arena.
The confident Malagasy contingent landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday afternoon carrying strong ambitions of dominating the regional tournament.
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Led by Madagascar Karate Federation President Dr. Emile Ratefimanamary, the team immediately declared its intention to fight for gold medals across multiple categories in what is expected to be one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
Madagascar has built a formidable reputation on the African karate scene over the years and remains one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
Their arrival has already injected excitement and intensity into the build-up as Nairobi prepares to host athletes, coaches, referees and officials from across East Africa.
Speaking shortly after arriving in Kenya, Dr. Ratefimanamary praised the hosts for staging the prestigious regional competition while expressing confidence in his team’s readiness.
“We are glad to be in Nairobi, Kenya for this wonderful competition. It is never easy to host such championships and for Kenya to do it deserves much appreciation. We have a very competitive team that is ready to compete well and fight for top honors in every category,” said Dr. Ratefimanamary.
Head coach Ricko Rakotonanana echoed the sentiments, revealing that the team had undergone rigorous preparations ahead of the championship and would not be intimidated by the hosts or other regional rivals.
“We have prepared well and the athletes we have entered are our best. We know other countries, including the hosts, are also looking to win, but we shall give our best,” said Rakotonanana.
The arrival of Team Madagascar signals the start of what organizers expect to be a colourful week of elite karate action in Nairobi. Eleven more countries are expected to arrive on Wednesday as the Kenyan capital gears up to welcome some of the region’s finest karate talent.
The championship will begin with technical training sessions and seminars for referees and coaches before the main competition gets underway over the weekend at the iconic Nyayo Stadium Indoor Arena.
Kenya is expected to field a strong squad backed by home support as it seeks to defend national pride against seasoned rivals including Madagascar, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia.
Fans are expected to witness explosive contests, tactical brilliance and disciplined performances synonymous with top-level karate, with rivalries already heating up even before the opening ceremony.
