Karatekas bring home medals from Commonwealth Champs

Karate
National karate athletes competed against some of the Commonwealth's best.
Mariud Ngula
  • 2 Weeks Ago
Nine of the Namibia Karate Federation's (NKF) brightest karatekas brought home medals at the eleventh Commonwealth Karate Championships, recently concluded in Durban, South Africa.

The championships attracted 284 contestants from 18 countries, competing in two events: the elite tournament open to national teams from the Commonwealth Countries, and the club championship, open to clubs.

Comprising six male and three female athletes, the Namibian delegation participated in the elite event.

Cayden Poulton led the charge, securing a silver medal in the Cadet Kumite section. Hot on his heels were bronze medallists Dylan Grove (Junior Kumite), Demi von Solms (Cadet Kumite), Merziaan Mouton (u/21 Kata), Simone Labuschagne (Junior Kumite) and Juan Labuschagne (Cadet Kumite).

The achievements saw the national team secure the tenth overall position, with India clinching the top spot after winning 21 gold medals, eight silver medals and 21 bronze medals.



‘Incredibly proud of team’

Accompanying the athletes were national coach Sensei Stefan van der Merwe, referee and Tatami manager Sensei Wikus Oberholster, and referee Sensei Stephan de Jager.

Speaking to Sport Wrap about the competition, Sensei Van der Merwe expressed pride in the athletes’ performances. “I am incredibly proud of the team’s performance, especially considering only a handful of our athletes competed. The event had a tremendous amount of international talent, and it was a great opportunity for our athletes to test themselves at an elite level,” Van der Merwe said. - mariud@nsh.com.na