Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-12 06:31:26
The President of the African Karate Federation (AKF), Mr Souleymane Gaye, has expressed his unwavering support for the Ghana Karate Federation (GKF) in their quest to elevate the sport to new heights on the continent. Mr Gaye made this commitment known to the press following his leadership of a high-profile delegation of Karate players, including World Karate Federation (WKF) president, Antonio Espinós Ortueta, and other AKF executives, to rally behind the GKF at the ongoing Africa Games.
Acknowledging Ghana as one of the rising stars in the African federation, Mr Gaye commended the GKF for hosting such a pivotal event for Karate-do in Africa at the African Games. With 27 countries and 250 athletes participating in the competition, Mr Gaye emphasized the significance of WKF and AKF’s support to ensure the success of the tournament.
Furthermore, Mr Gaye emphasized the importance of assisting African countries in reaching the same level as other continents in the sport. He highlighted countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, which have established themselves as powerhouses in Karate in Africa through sustained support. Mr Gaye expressed his optimism that Ghana has the potential to reach similar heights with continued backing from the GKF and the Ghanaian community.
WKF president, Mr Ortueta, shared his positive outlook on the future of Karate in Africa, underscoring the collective efforts of federations to propel the sport to prominence, particularly at the Olympic Games. He lauded the progress made in refining rules, enhancing the sport’s image, and elevating the level of competition, noting that Karate is poised for a return to the Olympics pending the International Olympic Committee’s recognition of the sport’s traditional values.
In response, GKF president, Mr Nathaniel Johnson, expressed his gratitude to both presidents for their steadfast support of Karate and their presence in Ghana to oversee the Karate competition at the Africa Games. He emphasized the significance of the Games and extended appreciation to the Local Organizing Committee for their handling of the event, while acknowledging the crucial role played by the federation in ensuring the success of the Games.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the AKF, WKF, and GKF underscore a shared commitment to advancing Karate in Africa. With a focus on nurturing emerging talents and promoting the sport’s growth, the support and dedication of key stakeholders are pivotal in positioning Karate as a leading discipline on the continent and beyond. The ongoing Africa Games serve as a testament to the unity and vision driving the Karate community towards greater success and recognition at the global stage.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
