Ngati’s Double Gold Leads Kenya’s UFAK Championship Triumph

The Nyayo National Stadium Indoor Arena came alive on Saturday as Kenya’s karate athletes captivated home spectators with exceptional performances at the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) Region East Karate Championships, highlighted by David Ngati’s remarkable double-gold achievement. Ngati established himself as one of the competition’s standout performers by securing gold medals in both the Senior Men’s Individual Kata and Team Kata events, demonstrating Kenya’s developing prowess in the sport. The Kenyan martial artist initially claimed the Individual Kata title by defeating fellow countryman Daniel Vaati in a tightly contested final determined by judges’ flags. Three out of four judges sided with Ngati following a technically excellent performance that displayed precision, rhythm and dynamic power. Previously, he had advanced to the final by narrowly defeating Bernard Kinachu in another closely contested semifinal, also resolved by a slight flag advantage. Ngati concluded his golden day in the Team Kata competition, teaming up with Vaati and Kinachu as Kenya B in an exciting final against Ethiopia. The Ethiopian squad had previously eliminated Kenya A, but the Kenyan trio responded with a coordinated and remarkably disciplined performance to secure three judges’ flags against one and capture the championship. Kenya A earned bronze. A thrilled Ngati characterized his victory as redemption after failing to secure the title at the previous championships in Ethiopia. ‘I’m extremely pleased particularly with the Kata win because last time in Ethiopia I was defeated. I have been training and working toward this, and it brings me great joy that I have corrected what happened in Ethiopia,’ he stated. Ngati mentioned that his aspirations extend beyond the regional competition. ‘I must continue training intensively because my objective is to win gold at the African Games and the World Cup too,’ he added. Kenya’s superiority persisted in the women’s divisions, with Georgina Kanini delivering a memorable performance. Kanini secured gold in the Female Senior Individual Kata ahead of fellow Kenyan Wambui Mwangi, who earned silver. She subsequently doubled her medal count by defeating Happiness Nyangate 9-6 in the Female Senior Kumite 61kg final to claim a second gold medal. Madagascar’s Revaconarivo Andhy prevented Kenya from claiming another title by narrowly defeating Anna Bosenera in the Female Senior 55kg Kumite final. Andhy had previously advanced to the final with a commanding 10-2 semifinal triumph over Helida Otieno. In the Male Senior 67kg Kumite division, Uganda’s Hidhir Ndikumana justly defeated Ethiopia’s Natanaen Habtamu Taye 4-3 in one of the day’s most exciting matches. The cadet category also provided significant excitement. Ethiopia’s Etsubdick Belay beat Kenya’s Loley Wambui to claim the Cadet Kata title, but Wambui later sought revenge convincingly. The Kenyan completely dominated Belay 5-1 in the Cadet Open Weight Kumite final, pleasing the home supporters with a commanding performance. The match included several impactful exchanges that dislodged gumshields, yet Wambui’s persistent attacks proved decisive as she secured gold. Ethiopia captured another championship in the Male Cadet 52kg Kumite via Tsagagazeab Gosa, who defeated Kenya’s Januaries Wambua 5-2. Gosa directed the proceedings from the beginning with precise kicks and punches, while Wambua’s late surge was insufficient to overcome the deficit. Kenya’s Flavian Kemunto delivered one of the most authoritative performances of the championships in the Female Junior 59kg Kumite final, decisively defeating Gloria Kanini 9-0 to secure gold. Kemunto had previously beaten Janet Washington 5-2 in the semifinals and carried that momentum into a lopsided final. Throughout the day, the Nyayo Indoor Arena vibrated with energy as Kenyan supporters cheered for their athletes. While cool conditions affected Nairobi outdoors, the atmosphere within the venue was electric, driven by fierce competition and exceptional displays. For Kenya, the championships functioned as both a display of emerging talent and an expression of regional aspirations, with Ngati’s double-gold triumph serving as the ideal representation of the nation’s increasing influence in East African karate.