The Gambia Karate Federation (GKF) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the development of karate officiating in The Gambia, following the successful acquisition of the country’s first UFAK Judges Badge by Muhammed Jabbi.
Jabbi secured the qualification after successfully completing the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) examination being conducted in Conakry, Guinea, alongside the 6th UFAK Western Africa 1 Karate Championship.
He is part of a six-member Gambian officials’ delegation participating in the regional championship and its associated technical activities. His successful examination represents an important step forward in the Federation’s efforts to strengthen the technical capacity of Gambian karate officials and increase their participation in regional and international programmes.
Speaking after receiving the qualification, Jabbi dedicated the achievement to the Gambia Karate Federation for facilitating the preparation and creating the opportunity for Gambian referees and officials to participate in the UFAK programme.
He acknowledged that obtaining such a qualification requires significant preparation, technical knowledge, resources and logistical commitment, including considerable personal sacrifice.
The Chairman of the Gambia Referee Commission, Eliman Njie, congratulated Jabbi on the achievement and assured him of the Commission’s continued technical support as he advances his officiating career and contributes to the development of karate in The Gambia.
GKF Technical Director, Sensei Pateh Jobe, described the achievement as a historic milestone for Gambian karate.
“This is the first of its kind in the history of karate in The Gambia, and we are very proud of this achievement,” Jobe said.
He noted that the qualification is a positive indication that the Federation’s efforts to strengthen technical capacity and increase Gambian participation in regional karate activities are beginning to produce tangible results.
According to Jobe, the development of qualified officials is an important component of the Federation’s technical development agenda.
“Our vision is to see Gambian athletes, coaches and officials continuously improve their technical capacity and participate meaningfully at regional and international level. This achievement is a positive signal that we are moving in that direction.”
The Gambia Karate Federation congratulates Muhammed Jabbi on this historic achievement and commends the Referee Commission, technical leadership and all stakeholders who contributed to his development.
