UR-HUYE KARATE CLUB has every reason to be proud of its performance at the ZANSHIN Karate Championship 2026, where its athletes competed against some of the strongest and most experienced karate athletes in Rwanda.
After three days of competition, the ZANSHIN Karate Championship 2026 came to an end on Sunday at Amahoro Petit Stade in Kigali. The championship brought together more than 600 athletes from Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, making it one of the major karate competitions held in the country.
The competition featured different weight categories, with athletes facing opponents in their respective divisions. Among the participating teams was UR-Huye Karate Club, representing the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus.
In the men’s competition, a large number of UR-Huye athletes competed in the Under 60 kg category. While several athletes were eliminated in their opening bouts, three UR-Huye athletes showed strong determination by winning their first fights and advancing to the second stage.
The second stage proved to be another tough test. Both UR-Huye athletes were defeated by strong opponents from APR Karate Club, a team known for having some of the leading and most experienced karate athletes in Rwanda.
However, their journey did not end there. Because the APR athletes who defeated them later reached the final, the two UR-Huye athletes received another opportunity through the repechage. This gave them a chance to compete for a place in the fight for third position.
Despite giving their best, the two UR-Huye athletes were unable to secure the bronze medal. Their performance, however, showed their ability to compete at a high level and provided valuable experience against some of the country's top athletes.
Other UR-Huye athletes also competed in different weight categories. Although some were eliminated in their first bouts, they showed commitment, courage and determination throughout the competition. Facing experienced opponents gave the athletes an opportunity to understand the level required to compete successfully at major karate events.
APR Karate Club emerged as the overall winner of the ZANSHIN Karate Championship 2026. In the senior category, APR won 8 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 1 bronze medal, while in the Under-14 category, the team won two silver medals.
For UR-Huye Karate Club, the championship was not only about winning medals. It was also an opportunity to test the team's level, gain experience and learn from competing against some of Rwanda's best karate athletes.
The team also expressed its appreciation to the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus administration for the support given to the club. The support included sports uniforms and other necessary equipment, which the athletes said has increased their motivation to work harder and prepare for future competitions.
The support has also encouraged the athletes to look and continue improving their skills. For UR-Huye Karate Club, the experience gained at ZANSHIN 2026 is expected to contribute to better preparation and stronger performances in future competitions.
As the championship comes to an end, UR-Huye Karate Club leaves Kigali without a medal, but with valuable experience, renewed motivation and a stronger desire to improve. The athletes now turn their attention to further training, with the goal of returning stronger and proudly representing the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus in future competitions.
After three days of competition, the ZANSHIN Karate Championship 2026 came to an end on Sunday at Amahoro Petit Stade in Kigali. The championship brought together more than 600 athletes from Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, making it one of the major karate competitions held in the country.
The competition featured different weight categories, with athletes facing opponents in their respective divisions. Among the participating teams was UR-Huye Karate Club, representing the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus.
In the men’s competition, a large number of UR-Huye athletes competed in the Under 60 kg category. While several athletes were eliminated in their opening bouts, three UR-Huye athletes showed strong determination by winning their first fights and advancing to the second stage.
The second stage proved to be another tough test. Both UR-Huye athletes were defeated by strong opponents from APR Karate Club, a team known for having some of the leading and most experienced karate athletes in Rwanda.
However, their journey did not end there. Because the APR athletes who defeated them later reached the final, the two UR-Huye athletes received another opportunity through the repechage. This gave them a chance to compete for a place in the fight for third position.
Despite giving their best, the two UR-Huye athletes were unable to secure the bronze medal. Their performance, however, showed their ability to compete at a high level and provided valuable experience against some of the country's top athletes.
Other UR-Huye athletes also competed in different weight categories. Although some were eliminated in their first bouts, they showed commitment, courage and determination throughout the competition. Facing experienced opponents gave the athletes an opportunity to understand the level required to compete successfully at major karate events.
APR Karate Club emerged as the overall winner of the ZANSHIN Karate Championship 2026. In the senior category, APR won 8 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 1 bronze medal, while in the Under-14 category, the team won two silver medals.
For UR-Huye Karate Club, the championship was not only about winning medals. It was also an opportunity to test the team's level, gain experience and learn from competing against some of Rwanda's best karate athletes.
The team also expressed its appreciation to the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus administration for the support given to the club. The support included sports uniforms and other necessary equipment, which the athletes said has increased their motivation to work harder and prepare for future competitions.
The support has also encouraged the athletes to look and continue improving their skills. For UR-Huye Karate Club, the experience gained at ZANSHIN 2026 is expected to contribute to better preparation and stronger performances in future competitions.
As the championship comes to an end, UR-Huye Karate Club leaves Kigali without a medal, but with valuable experience, renewed motivation and a stronger desire to improve. The athletes now turn their attention to further training, with the goal of returning stronger and proudly representing the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus in future competitions.
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Written by: Uwase Delice
EDITOR
Author • Published on August 10, 2026
Article written by Uwase Delice
(Content Editor)
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