The Sierra Leone Karate Federation (SLKF) has successfully concluded the 6th edition of the Japanese Open Championship in Freetown, marking another milestone in the growth of karate across the country.
The prestigious championship attracted high-profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, Director Kaifala Stevens from the National Sports Authority (NSA), Director of Participation Alie Sesay from (NSA), Patrick Muana representing State House and representative from the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone, as well as the Ambassador of Japan to Sierra Leone.
The championship commenced with a seminar for coaches and referees, followed by referees’ examinations and athlete eliminations across multiple divisions. Competitors featured in the U14, Cadet, Junior, and Senior categories for both male and female athletes, competing in Kata and Kumite events.
Under the dynamic leadership of Professor Victor Edward Amara, President of the Federation, the Japanese Open Championship has continued to grow stronger each year, earning admiration from karate enthusiasts nationwide.
Competition Results
U14 – Kata
Mohamed S. Jalloh – Gold Medal
Solomon – Gold Medal
Moses Dumbuya – Silver Medal
Wisdom – Silver Medal
U14 – Kumite
Moses Dumbuya – Gold Medal
Redmeer – Gold Medal
Solomon – Silver Medal
Yusif Kamara Jalloh – Silver Medal
Female Cadet (Kata & Kumite)
Margaret Sillah – Silver (Kata) & Silver (Kumite)
Biotao Amara – Notable performance
Cadet Boys – Kata
Ibrahim Jalloh – Gold Medal
Ibrahim Timbo – Silver Medal
Cadet Boys – Kumite
Ibrahim Timbo – Gold Medal
Junior Girls
Catherine Sall – Gold Medal (Kata & Kumite), representing Bo Town
Senior – Kata
Foday Kamara – Gold Medal
Samuel King – Silver Medal
Abubakarr Sillah – Bronze Medal
Senior – Kumite (-70)
Foday Kamara – Gold Medal
Wurie Jalloh – Silver Medal
Senior – Kumite (+70)
Abubakarr Sillah – Gold Medal
Samuel King – Silver Medal
The center referees for the championship were Momoh Paul Fran Fofanah and Victor Amara Jnr., who ensured smooth and professional officiating throughout the competition.
The 6th edition once again proved to be a major success, as the Sierra Leone Karate Open Championship continues to win the hearts of karate fans and strengthen the sport’s development in Sierra Leone.
