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By Dawda Baldeh
The Gambia Karate Federation (GKF) has made an urgent appeal for government and private sector investment following a triumphant campaign at the Senegal Open 2026 in Dakar.
Despite severe financial constraints, the national delegation secured an impressive haul of eight medals—comprising one gold, one silver, and six bronze—at the prestigious regional championship organised by the international sports brand MAZANDO.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, federation officials stated that the landmark achievement serves as undeniable proof that the country’s martial arts talent can compete with the best in West Africa, provided it receives the resources necessary to sustain growth.
The federation warned that a persistent lack of adequate funding is currently hampering the sport’s progress and actively blocking talented athletes and officials from attending vital international fixtures. However, officials remain ambitious. Looking ahead, the GKF announced plans to compete in the UKAF Championship in Guinea this August, and to host its own International Karate Championship in Banjul this December to further elevate the sport’s profile.
Federation leaders framed the success not merely as an athletic milestone, but as a crucial social investment for the nation. GKF Vice President Muhammed Jagana emphasized the broader societal benefits of the martial art, noting its role in youth development.
“Karate teaches discipline, respect, purpose and unity,” Jagana said, adding that investing in the sport is also an investment in the country’s youth and future.
The sentiment was echoed by Technical Director Sensei Pateh Jobe, who extended his congratulations to the athletes, coaches, referees, and affiliated clubs, noting that the victory in Dakar reflects years of collective effort to develop karate across the nation.
National Kumite Coach Mbye Nyang highlighted the technical benefits of the tournament, explaining that the championship provided invaluable international exposure, enabling Gambian athletes to measure themselves against some of West Africa’s strongest competitors while gaining experience that will strengthen future performances.
The necessity of international exposure for sports officials was also raised by Referees’ Chairman Eleman Njie, who noted that engaging with globally recognised standards directly improves the quality of domestic officiating. Meanwhile, Momodou Jallow of the federation’s Programme Organising Team detailed ongoing internal efforts to sustain the sport through regular domestic competitions, technical training, and athlete development programmes.
The GKF concluded its press conference with a direct appeal to corporate institutions, development partners, and the Gambian government to rally behind the sport before the upcoming tournaments later this year.
“Our athletes have shown what they can achieve with limited resources,” officials said. “Imagine what they could accomplish with the support they truly deserve.”
