MALAWI: Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Championship Records 100 Percent Increase In Participation

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Naito Yasushi, has commended the growing participation in karate after this year’s Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Championship recorded a 100 percent increase in participation compared to last year.

Yasushi made the remarks in Lilongwe during the seventh edition of the Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Championship, where more than 100 athletes from across the country competed for honours.

He said the increase demonstrates growing interest in the sport and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the development of karate in Malawi.

Malawi Karate Federation President Joseph Kawerama described the increase in participation as a milestone, saying it demonstrates that karate is gaining popularity across the country.

However, Kawerama highlighted the need for more support in technical capacity building to ensure the country has qualified coaches, judges, referees and instructors.

Deputy Director responsible for school sports in the Ministry of Sports, Mary Waya, hailed the cordial partnership between Malawi and Japan.

Waya said the partnership continues to strengthen sports development by creating opportunities for young athletes to build their skills and confidence, while becoming self-reliant.

The Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Championship was launched in 2017 with the aim of promoting karate and strengthening Malawi-Japan bilateral relations through sport and culture.