Continental Championships
Moroccan athletes hoping cause impact at home at 2023 UFAK Championships
2023-08-18
The 2023 UFAK Karate Championships are held this week in Casablanca (Morocco). The representatives of the host nation are hoping to use the home-ground factor in their favour to cause a sensation at the event.
One of the biggest powerhouse nations of the sport in the world, Morocco host the event intending to recover the top position in the medal table of the continental championships after seeing how Egypt claimed the leading rank in the last two editions of the tournament. The support of local fans will be instrumental in Morocco’s hopes.
“Morocco shine as a forerunner in Karate, ranking among the most eminent National Federations in the world. This position enables us to compete successfully at all levels, and it gives us the confidence to give our best to win all the medals,” said Salah Eddine Mansoury, who highlights the success of Morocco in hosting some of the most memorable events in the sport, including the World Junior Championships in 2009, the 2020 UFAK Championships in Tangier, and the Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat.
“This is all due to the exemplary commitment of the Royal Moroccan Karate Federation, under the leadership of President Mr Mohammed Moktabil, who has risen to the challenges to prove our ability to organise such high-level events,” he adds.
A rising star in Moroccan Karate in the Kata category, Salah Eddine Mansoury hopes to win his first medal in senior divisions after taking the continental title in Cadet division in 2020 at home in Tangier.
“The African Karate Championships is the biggest continental event of the year. Organising it in Morocco gives us immense pride, and it will allow us to perform at our best with the support of our public,” he said.
“I AM DETERMINED TO GIVE THE BEST OF MYSELF FOR MY COUNTRY”
The feeling is shared by teammate Chaimaa El Hayti, who competes in the category of Female Kumite -50kg.
“We have seen the positive impact of organising large-scale sporting events in Morocco, such as the Karate 1-Premier League Rabat. As Moroccan athletes, we feel the benefits when we take part in other competitions and meet athletes from all over the world. They have already been able to appreciate our level of organisation and discover our country, our traditions, and our culture through these sporting events in Morocco,” she adds.
A two-time Karate 1-Premier League bronze medallist, Chaimaa El Hayti claimed her biggest result to date in 2019 when she won the silver medal at the U21 World Championships. This year, the promising Karate reached the bronze medal at home at the Karate 1-Premier League Rabat.
“The opportunity (of competing at the event) gives us the chance to showcase African Karate. It is undeniable that African karatekas, such as those from Morocco, Egypt, and other nations, have shown remarkable performances. Having the opportunity to represent my country and to fight with determination for Morocco, I feel great joy, and I am determined to give the best of myself, with the hope that everything will unfold according to divine will,” she said.
“KARATE PROMOTES RESPECT, MORAL DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVES CONCENTRATION”
While the competition is underway in Casablanca, both local karatekas remind fans of the many values of Karate.
“The discipline of karate is distinguished from other sports by its peaceful nature, which promotes respect, moral development, and improves concentration. Its demanding techniques teach patience and perseverance,” points out Salah Eddine Mansoury.
“Since I started practising karate, I have acquired essential values such as discipline, respect, and patience. This influence has extended to my personal life, shaping my personality, as the constant challenge of winning fights and competitions has exposed me to a complex range of emotions. Mastering these emotions has strengthened my personality, which is one of the advantages of karate,” adds El Hayti.
The 2023 UFAK Championships are held in Casablanca from August 17 to 20.