Accra, April 20, GNA - Ghana's National Karate Team collected one gold, five silver and seven bronze medals when they participated in the Federation of African Karate Officials Seminar and International Karate Tournament, held at Lome, Togo on 8th to 15th April.
The gold medal was won by 23 year-old Victor Lartey in the Men's Individual (Kata) formation fighting technique division.
The silver medals were won by Rita Ahadzie who annexed two medals, Regina Bisi-Larry and Sylvester Davies, a silver each while the other silver medal was won in the Men's Team Kata Division with seven of the other competitors returning home with a bronze medal each.
Sensei Melvin Brown, Technical Chairman of the Association regretted that the team did not do well in the (Kumite) fighting division, and as such with effect from May to July, the team will embark on a weekly non-residential training at the Azumah Nelson Sport Complex for a massive training programme, all geared towards the All African Games in Algiers, Algeria.
"It was clear from the competition that Ghana is far advanced in Kata, but the technical team will have to seriously work on the Kumite before the All African Games."
The General Secretary of the Association also told the GNA Sports that Ghana's performance raised 'goose purples' on most martial arts fans and participants from across the continent, since it is a category that is regarded as the most difficult and "we were rated as the under-dogs.
"He called on the corporate bodies to support the government to enable the Association make adequate and a worthy preparation towards the All African Games.