Several karate superstars from across the African continent will soon converge on the shores of Durban to battle it out at the All Africa Karate Championship from 2 to 4 December at the Olive Convention Centre.
Thirty countries including the big five – Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia – will be going for gold at the much anticipated battle royale to be named the best of the best.
President of Karate South Africa, Hanshi Sonny Pillay, said that the prestigious tournament is testament to South Africa and Durban’s capabilities to host some of the biggest events in Africa and the world.
“It would be fair to say that this time it’s for South Africa, moreover, I am extremely pleased that Karate South Africa has been afforded the opportunity to host the biggest African Continental Karate showpiece,” said Pillay, who also serves as the vice president of the African continental body for Karate viz UFAK.
The 72-year-old karate veteran, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, was instrumental in bringing the event to the sunny shores of Durban. “KSA together with our Durban city fathers firmly believe that the event sanctioned by SASCOC (governing body for all sport) will be an outstanding catalyst to boost local economy and tourism,” said Pillay.
Rishaad Mahomed, Managing Director of Tabloid Newspapers, the proud media partner of the world-class event, reminisced about the joy that the sport brought to him in his youth through Saturday karate movie days and believes that the upcoming championships will open many new doors for karate in the country.
“Hanshi Sonny Pillay has lived and breathed karate all his life. It is his passion and this is part of the legacy he will leave behind,” said Mahomed.
