The Malawi Karate Federation is set to host its inaugural Karate National Championship this Saturday at Hope Green Light Secondary School in Area 24, Lilongwe, starting from 8:00 AM.
The championship has attracted over 80 athletes, including 10 female participants, marking a significant milestone in the federation’s efforts to grow and professionalize the sport in Malawi.
This event aims to elevate the level of competition while also identifying and nurturing talented karatekas capable of representing Malawi on the international stage. It will be the federation’s third major tournament, following the Japanese Ambassador’s Championship and the Karate Zen Open Championships.
Participants will compete in various age and belt categories, including: Ages 7–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18+, Under Brown Belt and Seniors Elite. Winners in each category will receive medals in recognition of their excellence.
Speaking ahead of the event, Malawi Karate Federation President Joseph Kawelama expressed excitement over this milestone and the growth the sport is experiencing.
“This is a very good development for us as a federation. It keeps athletes active and motivated. The number of registered participants is the highest we’ve ever seen, which shows that karate is growing in Malawi. From here, we can only go up. Our vision is to host at least six local championships annually to maintain momentum and sharpen our athletes,” explained Kawelama.
The 2024 Karate National Championship not only marks a new era for karate in Malawi but also signals the federation’s commitment to fostering excellence, discipline, and international competitiveness in the sport.