Karate World team leaves out thirteen

FINANCIAL constraints have forced Rwanda Karate Federation to pick five out of 18 players to compete in the World Championship slated for November 21-25 in Paris, France.The local federation had initially requested Rwf 44m to cater for preparation and participation costs for an 18-man team.According to Rwanda Karate Federation’s Technical Director, Guy Rutayisire, the Ministry of Sports and Culture slashed the budget to Rwf 14.5m.“We decided to go as the budget specified. For now, we will send only five players. We are going to do our best to prepare and ensure that we compete for world honours,” added Rutayisire.The national karate team started preparations in October and with a few days left for the global event to unfold in Paris, the five-man team which has been named includes; Rehema Kabera in the women category, Silvestre Twajamahoro, Eric Karigire, Vincent Munyeshyaka and Sibomana Haruna, all in the men’s category.Twajamahoro will compete in individual Kata, Kayigire will compete in the under 67kg, Munyeshaka will competein under 75kg while Sibomana will square off in under 85kg.Kabera, lone women karate player will compete in less than 50kg. The team is working out tirelessly at Amahoro National stadium.This year, the national team won two bronze medals in the Africa Karate Championship held in Morocco. Kabera won kumite bronze medal in women category while Silvestre Twajemahoro secured kata bronze medal in men’s category.