The development of Karate in Africa was showcased at the 2019 UFAK Senior Championships which were held in Gaborone (Botswana). One of the aspects that contributed to the success of the event was the notable progress of refereeing on the continent.

The development of Karate in Africa was showcased at the 2019 UFAK Senior Championships which were held in Gaborone (Botswana). One of the aspects that contributed to the success of the event was the notable progress of refereeing on the continent.

Over 75 referees from 25 countries officiated at the 2019 edition of the continental event. This tally represents a notable increase with previous editions since 56 referees from 19 nations participated in the tournament in 2018 and 43 judges from 19 nations were registered in 2017. 

As the level of competition increases and while the sport continues taking steps towards its Olympic debut next year in Tokyo, the improvement of the structures and training programmes to ensure the high standards of refereeing have been crucial in the continuous progress of the sport in Africa. 

The advances in African refereeing is also confirmed with the growing presence of female judges officiating the events. Ten top-level female referees from six countries participated at the 2019 UFAK Senior Championships. 

“We are committed to continue improving our sport in all its structures, and referees are a fundamental part of our progress. Our primary goals is to further enhance our refereeing to make sure that the rules of our sport are constantly protected. It is also our intention to continue keeping up with the times to further demonstrate that Karate is a modern, unbiased and balanced sport. All of this was clearly manifested at the UFAK Championships,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.