Event organiser, Ofentse Bakwadi, said they have more than 500 entries from Botswana, Angola, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He said they are expecting stiff competition as the two-day tournament gets underway. Bakwadi said all divisions are staked, but the most anticipated battles will be from categories featuring Botswana national champions. “To add to the excitement, South Africa is bringing a strong and experienced contingent, whilst Angola’s participation is expected to add flair and continental flavour to the tournament. This year’s event promises an intense mix of skill, power, and artistry, truly a spectacle not to be missed,” he said. Bakwadi said it is never easy to organise the event due to a lack of sponsorship. The competition, organised by Hayashi-Ha Karate Do, has grown to be one of the biggest karate tournaments in the country.
Bakwadi said sponsorship remains a huge obstacle for sport in Botswana, but the Gaborone Open is a brand that they have been building over the years. He said a brand is something that needs to be protected at all costs, and the show has to go on, even in the absence of sponsorship. “We have a good relationship with other countries, hence you see the large number of athletes who will be taking part in our event. It means we should make sure that the event is a success. Hosting the event means we are also adding value to the economy of Gaborone because visitors pay for accommodation, fuel, and food, amongst other things. As sport, we play a huge role, hence the need (for support) from the private sector is very important,” Bakwadi said. He added that the event is also an opportunity to grant local karatekas an opportunity to compete in a top-class tournament because some never get an opportunity to be selected into the national team and compete outside the country.
