12th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament

　On 6th and 7th August, the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia and the Zambia Kyokushin-Karate Organisation co-hosted the 12th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament while adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC).
 
　This year, about 300 Karate-kas participated in the tournament not only from Zambia but also from Southern African countries: Botswana, DR Congo, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. They competed in Kata, Semi-Contact and Full-Contact categories to demonstrate the achievements of their practices.
 
　H. E. Mr. MIZUUCHI Ryuta, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, Hon. Elvis Nkandu, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, and Mr. Farai Mangaba, Branch Chief of Zambia Kyokushin Karate Organisation, addressed the participants before the finals. After the finals, the winners received their awards personally from Ambassador with thunderous applause from the audience.
 
　The Embassy of Japan hopes that the annual Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament will help further development of Karate in Zambia, and promote cultural exchanges between Japan and Zambia, contributing to mutual understanding between the two nations.
 
　To read the speech made by Ambassador Mr. MIZUUCHI at this event, please click here.