The Gambia Karate Federation (GKF) National Team has recorded a landmark achievement at the 6th UFAK Western Africa 1 Karate Championship, securing three gold medals and one silver medal at the regional championship in Conakry, Guinea.
The impressive medal haul came from the four Gambian athletes who represented the country at the championship under the guidance of National Coach Mbaye Nyang, with every member of the team returning with a medal.
In Men’s Kata, Edrisa Jallow emerged champion in the Senior category, while Alieu Conteh secured gold in the Cadet category to give The Gambia two gold medals in Kata.
The team continued its strong performance in Kumite, where Fatou Nyang claimed gold in the Female 55kg category. Emmanuel Mendy added a silver medal in the Male 71kg category, completing the team’s four-medal haul.
National Kumite Coach Mbaye Nyang described the performance as a remarkable achievement and one of the most significant results in the history of Gambian karate.
“This victory is monumental and probably the first of its kind in the history of karate in our country. To bring four athletes to an international championship of this magnitude and have every single one of them return with a medal, including three golds, shows the continent that Gambian karate has arrived,” Coach Nyang said.
He attributed the success to the athletes’ commitment and preparation, adding that “The dedication these fighters showed in camp paid off on the mat today.”
GKF Vice President Muhammed Jagana congratulated Edrisa Jallow, Alieu Conteh, Fatou Nyang and Emmanuel Mendy, as well as Coach Nyang, the technical team, affiliated clubs and all stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the team’s success.
Jagana described the results as a reflection of the athletes’ commitment, preparation, determination and competitive spirit, while recognising the important contribution of the coaches, technical team and clubs in preparing the athletes for the championship.
He said the achievement represents a proud moment for Gambian karate and marks another important step in the Federation’s efforts to position the country competitively on the regional and international karate stage.
The achievement in Conakry builds on The Gambia’s recent success at the Senegal Open, where Gambian karate athletes returned with eight medals.
The latest performance further demonstrates the growing competitiveness of Gambian karate at the regional level and provides renewed momentum for the Federation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen athlete development, coaching, officiating and technical capacity.
The Gambia Karate Federation extends its congratulations to the medal-winning athletes, their coaches and clubs, and appreciates all partners and stakeholders who supported the delegation’s participation in the championship.
