
Karate teams from Botswana continue to do the country proud in international tournaments.
A Ryushin-Kan team recently brought six gold, one silver and two bronze medals in kumite and kata respectively from an international tournament in Mafikeng, South Africa.
Speaking in an interview, Sensei Isaiah Ramontshonyana said they participated in the open all styles Seikokai Karate-Do Tournament in South Africa on invitation .
Ramontshonyana said the team included Teto Wakwena, who won a gold medal in individual kumite in the Under-18 category and Karabo Ramotswetla who got gold medal in kata Under-18 category. He also said they had Entle Maungwa, who scoped a gold medal in individual kata Under-15 category as well as gold medal for individual kumite Under-15 category.
The team continued to win medals with Kgomotso Setlhare snatching a gold medal in the male Under-84 kg individual kumite, while Katlego Keitirile received a silver medal in the male Under-18 category individual kumite and a bronze medal in the male Under-18 category individual kata.
Karabo got bronze medal in individual kumite Under-21 category and the team got a gold for mixed team Kumite. The WKF rules were used during the tournament in the divisions for kata and kumite for both male and females.
Sensei Ramontshonyana said the team did "exceptionally well" in the tournament which shows much growth in the athletes. He said such tournaments are helpful as they give exposure to athletes.