Hayashi-Ha selects US Open squad

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday March 5, 2010 00:00

 

In tomorrow's tournament at the University of Botswana (UB) Student Hall, only 15 of the expected 40 karatekas will make it to the Las Vegas team.

Karatekas between four and 19 years will take part in the event sponsored by Western Union and Electrical Components.Hayashi Ha public relations officer, Jerry Ditlhong said the selection will be based on the athletes' performance and consistency over the past five months.

'The selection of the athletes will not be based on their performances last year because some players' might have been on form then but this year they are not performing well,' he explained. The tournament will be used to test the karatekas' strength in both kata and kumite.  Ditlhong said the US Open is an important tournament as it develops karatekas.

'Most of our performing athletes are karatekas that have been exposed to the tournament.

These are also athletes who have got good track records in the national squad such as Shakes Bakwadi and Vicky Majama,' he said.

Hayashi Ha started participating in the US Open in 2008. Botswana fielded seven karatekas during the maiden appearance and managed six medals. In 2009, nine karatekas went to the tournament and brought eight medals.

The target this year is 10 medals. The Groth brothers, Khaya and Kevin are expected to do well in the tournament if selected.