NKF to host open kickboxing tournament
The Namibian Kickboxing Federation (NKF) - in association with the Namibia Martial Arts Academy and the Swakopmund Fight Club - will host an open kickboxing tournament on Saturday, 4 March.The competition, set to be held on a tatami mat, will take place at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre.
According to event organiser Jackeline Sass, the purpose of the event is to offer athletes a chance to practice their skills in preparation for the Namibia Fight Championship trials.
"We can expect that both clubs will be in full attendance with both junior and senior participants. Only points fighting and light contact styles will be used, along with the fight rules of the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO),"
WAKO is an international kickboxing organisation founded in 1977, counting over 120 affiliated countries and representing all five continents. It is a major governing body of amateur kickboxing and is responsible for the development of kickboxing worldwide.
Sass explained that all fighters must adhere to the WAKO rules, including those listing health and safety requirements.
"Fighters must undergo a medical check-up to authorise participation. After undergoing their check-up, fighters can contact me to arrange their entry for the event. We expect a few matches on the day as we still await entries, and as such, we will only be able to know exactly how many fights we have closer to the date of the event," she said.
The entry fee for participants is N$150 for both styles, and N$100 for spectators.
She encouraged the public to attend the event and support the fighters.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to announce our recent kickboxing affiliation with the Namibian National Olympic Committee. This gives the NKF the opportunity to develop athletes in kickboxing for future Olympics for both the youth and seniors. We hope to send a team of kickboxers to represent Namibia at the ensuing Olympics."
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