A strong finish on the final day at the World Karate Federation (WKF) Championships propelled Japan to the top of the medals table, with three gold medals, two silver and six bronze after five days of competition in the German city of Bremen.

Number two was Africa’s Karate heavyweight, Egypt, which picked up three gold, two silver, and one bronze to relegate France to third place with two gold, three silvers, and three bronze. The next world championships take place in two years’ time in Jakarta, Indonesia. Some 887 athletes from 116 countries competed in the tournament which ended Sunday.

Rwanda’s three representatives - Vanily Ngarambe, 21, Emery Espoir Ntungane, 21, and Solange Gashagaza Ingabire, 20, never made it past the first round.

However, the Rwanda Karate Federation (FERWAKA) Technical Director, Guy Didier Rurangayire, who was with the trio at the ÖVB Arena, in Bremen, is contented with the exposure that the youthful trio gained competing against the best in the world.

"Rwandan players have promising future. They showed good skill and bravery but lacked mental game management,” he said.

james.karuhanga@newtimes.co.rw