The national karate team has received an invitation to take part in the African Youth Championship scheduled for August 1-8 in Cairo, Egypt.

Twelve boys and eight girls will represent Rwanda at the tournament, which will include countries like Zambia, Tunisia, Uganda, Kenya, Algeria and Libya among others.

Confirming the invitation, the technical director of the national karate federation Guy Didier Rurangayire told this paper that although the team has not participated in any regional or international competition, the players are capable of competing against the best on the continent.

"We have not taken part in regional tournament because of limited funds but there have local tournaments, so the fitness levels are good.

"If the players get enough training between now and the start of the tournament, I’m confident we will get some silverware,” said Rurangayire.

Meanwhile, local karate players are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Grand Master Masao Kawasoe, who will visit next month to conduct a one week training clinic for local trainers.

The 63-year-old Japanese Grand Master holds eight Dans and is the technical director of the international traditional karate federation.

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