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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Metropolitan Karate Association (BMKA) is hosting the 2016 provincial tournament at Bulawayo Bowling Club today.

The competition will run under Japan Karate Association (JKA) rules in the categories of kata (forms) and kumite (fighting) for both Junior and Senior fighters.

A strong field of more than 40 contestants is expected to feature at the tournament which is returning to the city after a long time and different styles which include Shito-Ryu, JKA Shotokan, Kimura Shukokai International and Sankukai dragons are expected.

The junior categories will range from participants aged five-18years while the seniors will feature in the Under-70kg, U-78kg and over 78kg categories.

BMKA technical director Ndabezinhle Mazibuko said the competition will be a good platform for experienced and upcoming fighters to showcase their skills.

“We expect a high level of competition that will without doubt showcase the quality of karate in the province. Whether one wins or loses, we expect this competition to allow us to monitor the talent at our disposal as we prepare fighters for the national team,” he said.

“It’s been a couple of years since we had such tournaments as a province so we can say this is the first step towards the revival of karate in Bulawayo. As the association we also aim to build a team that will participate at the national championships to be held in Harare next week,” Mazibuko said. — @khumzallen