News

The University of Botswana (UB) Karate Club delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Gabs Open International Karate Championship, winning a total of 20 medals.

Held at the UB Campus Indoor Sports Centre, the championship attracted top karatekas from across the region, transforming the venue into a vibrant arena of skill, discipline and competition. The tournament featured competitors ranging from junior athletes to seasoned veterans, all competing for honours in various kata and kumite categories.

Representing the University, 23 UB karatekas took to the tatami and produced an impressive medal haul of six gold, six silver and eight bronze medals.

Officially opening the championship, Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Dithapelo Keorapetse, commended the growth of the tournament and its contribution to sport development in the region.

"From humble beginnings, the Gabs Open has developed into one of the largest karate championships in Southern Africa, attracting competitors from across the region while showcasing Botswana's ability to host sporting events of the highest standard," he said.

Among the standout performances was the UB Karate Club's triumph in the Senior Male Team Kumite category where the defending champions successfully retained their title to secure the gold medal. Philimon Otsile added to the club's success by winning gold in the Senior Male Kumite -75kg category.

The University also enjoyed strong performances in the +75kg division where Tefo Theo Chabi secured silver while teammate Same Otsile claimed bronze. Chabi later returned to the podium to win gold in the Under-21 +60kg category, with fellow UB athlete Marley Nebojah Motsaatosi earning silver. Motsaatosi also collected a bronze medal in the Senior Male Kata competition.

Baone Pelaelo secured another gold medal for the University after overcoming fellow UB karateka Kenny Sempipeng, who settled for silver. Kenneth Monyaka further contributed to the medal tally by winning bronze in the Under-21 -60kg division.

The University's female athletes also produced exceptional performances particularly in the Senior Female Kumite -55kg category, where UB athletes dominated the podium. Lesika Motswagole claimed gold, Kenanao Thunthung won silver while Wedu Basha Samson and Thato Medicine secured bronze medals.

Angela Takobana continued the University's winning streak by capturing gold in the Under-21 category, with teammate Olorato Mildred Obuile taking silver. Obuile also demonstrated her versatility by winning bronze medals in both the Under-21 and Senior Female Kata competitions.

In the Senior Female Kumite +55kg category, Aniah Moeng secured a silver medal while Leah Kgosiemang added a bronze medal to the University's overall tally.