By KPC Sports Reporter
Kenya has topped the medal standings at the UFAK Region East Cadets, Juniors and Seniors Karate Championship held in Nairobi, collecting an impressive 47 medals to finish well ahead of regional rivals.
The host nation amassed 16 gold, 22 silver and nine bronze medals to emerge overall champions, while Ethiopia finished second with eight medals, including four golds.
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Madagascar placed third with five medals and Uganda fourth with four.
Kenya’s dominance was evident across the kata and kumite categories, with several athletes delivering standout performances. In the senior women’s 61kg kumite category, Georgina Kanini secured gold after adding to her success in the female individual kata event where she also finished first.
David Ngati gave the hosts an early boost by winning gold in the male individual kata competition ahead of fellow Kenyan Daniel Vaati, while Kenya B clinched the men’s team kata title.
The home side also excelled in the kumite contests. Allan Gitonga won the male cadets’ 63kg title, Flavian Kemunto struck gold in the female junior 59kg category, while Boniface Muriithi and Collis Ngugi emerged victorious in the male junior 61kg and 76kg divisions respectively.
Kenya continued its medal sweep in the senior ranks through Rose Wanjiku (50kg), John Thuo (60kg), Sevalyne Wekesa (68kg), Eugine Obunde (84kg), Mercy Nyambura (+68kg) and Moses Okeyo (+84kg), all of whom claimed gold medals.
Despite Kenya’s dominance, Ethiopia produced notable performances, with Etsubdick Belay Shawul winning the female cadets individual kata title and Lemi Lole Barako taking gold in the men’s senior 75kg division.
Ethiopia also captured the men’s team kumite crown ahead of Kenya’s A and B teams.
Madagascar and Uganda also left their mark on the championship, securing podium finishes in several weight categories as the tournament showcased the growing competitiveness of karate across East Africa.
A total of 64 medals were awarded during the four-day championship, underlining the depth of talent on display as the region’s top cadet, junior and senior karatekas battled for honors in Nairobi.
