The UFAK Eastern Region Karate Championships, held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, marked a significant step forward in the development of karate in Africa. The event was celebrated amid the plans of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) and the World Karate Federation (WKF) to elevate the level of karate competitions across the continent.

This tournament saw spirited participation from athletes representing four countries: Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, and Djibouti. The gathering of top karatekas from these nations not only showcased their talents but also highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of karate in the Eastern African region.

A comprehensive referee course was organised in the days leading up to the championships. The seminar was led by the chairman of the UFAK Referee Commission and a member of the WKF Referee Commission Zitouni Metyout. Nearly 30 judges from the region attended the course, gaining valuable insights and training to enhance their officiating skills.

Chaired by UFAK President and WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye, with WKF Vice President and acting UFAK Eastern Region President Bechir Cherif also in attendance and hosted by the Madagascar Karate Federation and its president Emile Ratefinanahary, the UFAK Eastern Region Karate Championships served as a testament to the collaborative efforts of UFAK and WKF in nurturing the sport across Africa.

The tournament gathered karatekas from four countries.

During the event, a Karate delegation was welcomed by Madagascar’s Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Valery Ramonjavelo at the headquarters of the country’s Youth and Sports Ministry. UFAK President and WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye, WKF Vice President and acting UFAK Eastern Region President Bechir Cherif and Madagascar Karate Federation president Emile Ratefinanahary sat with Mr. Ramonjavelo to discuss the progress of the sport in the region, with Madagascar’s Sports General Director Rosa Rakotozafy also in attendance.

(Top picture: UFAK President and WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye (seated third from left), WKF Vice President and UFAK’s Region coordinator Bechir Cherif (seated third from right), Madagascar Karate Federation President Emile Ratefinanahary (seated second from left) and UFAK Referee Commission chairman and WKF Referee Commission member Zitouni Metyout (seated second from right) pose with the judges participating in the seminar.

UFAK President and WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye addresses the audience at the opening ceremony of the event.  

WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif during the opening of the tournament.  

UFAK Referee Commission chairman and WKF Referee Commission member Zitouni Metyout and the judges participating in the seminar.

Madagascar’s Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Valery Ramonjavelo and Madagascar Karate Federation president Emile Ratefinanahary at the opening of the championships.  

UFAK Referee Commission chairman and WKF Referee Commission member Zitouni Metyout during the referee course.

From left to right: Madagascar’s Sports General Director Rosa Rakotozafy, UFAK President and WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye, Madagascar’s Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Valery Ramonjavelo, WKF Vice President and acting UFAK Eastern Region President Bechir Cherif, and Madagascar Karate Federation president Emile Ratefinanahary.

From left to right: UFAK President and WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye, Madagascar’s Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Valery Ramonjavelo, WKF Vice President and acting UFAK Eastern Region President Bechir Cherif

The karate officials discussed the progress of the sport with the highest national representatives.