“We need resources, exposure and experience to excel” says Vice President of Ghana Karate Do

Mr. Isaac Amponsah, Vice President of the Ghana Karate Do Federation believes Ghanaian karatekas can excel if they are given the opportunity to compete in more international competitions.

Speaking to Yours Truly at the Ga Mashie Hall during the 13th African Games, he noted that Ghana has qualified athletes, but they are not polished because of lack of experience and exposure in the game.

He said the answer is simple, and that the government must invest in the so called lesser known or least financed sports.

According to Mr. Amponsah Ghana Karate Do Federation finds it very difficult to organize just one national championship in a year while others participate in ten or more events so they become used to everything in the sport.

The fifth dan black belt holder said the sport is moving fast and the north Africans are dominating because they are always engaged and their rewards are enticing and good to motivate athletes to keep on fighting.

He appealed to companies in Ghana to support the Ghana Karate Do Federation to organize more local championship and sponsor them to engage in international events.

He commended the Ghana Karate Do Federation and the current athletes for their devotion and love for the sport.

He expressed that Karate Do has made him what he is today and his whole family are involved in Karate Do because it id is a way of life that makes one very disciplined and comport themselves well.

He congratulated the north Africans from Egypt, especially who are very serious and won the gold medals. He also hailed Senegal and Congo for reaching the medal zone.

“Ghana can also make it if our government, the Ministry of Youth and Sports support us” he said.

The Karate Do expert who started doing the sport in the early 1980s stressed that the sport is an ancient activity by the Japanese, but now there are many organizations that organise competitions., however Ghana is affiliated to the World Karate Federation (WKF) and African Karate Federation.

By Sammy Heywood Okine