Twin karate athletes Chibuzo and Chinedu Okpugo continued their strong 2026 season with podium finishes at the Karate South Africa KSA League One competition in Gqeberha, held from 21 to 23 August.
Chibuzo Okpugo claimed silver in the Junior Male Kumite 16/17 years –68kg division, while Chinedu Okpugo secured bronze in the Junior Male Kumite 16/17 years –76kg division.
Photo (Supplied): Chinedu with his bronze medal | MKA Karate
Photo (Supplied): Chibuzo with his silver medal | MKA Karate
The Gqeberha event served as the final KSA ranking competition for 2026. Results from the tournament, together with performances recorded throughout the year, will be considered in terms of KSA’s selection policy for the team that will represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships and Commonwealth Karate Club Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
The brothers had already competed at the KSA SA Open/Elite Championships in Durban earlier this year, where both were also awarded their Protea colours during the Karate South Africa (KSA) Awards.
Behind their performances is a demanding training routine, with both athletes training daily and following strict diets to remain competitive in their respective divisions.
For Chibuzo, making the –68kg division required an especially tough effort in Gqeberha. Shortly before competing, he weighed approximately 68.4kg and ran almost 9km around an hour and a half before his event, bringing his weight down to approximately 66.6kg.
Photo (L-R): Chinedu Okpugo & Chibuzo Okpugo sporting their official protea attire, certificates and, trophees from the KSA Awards.
With the 2026 ranking season now concluded, the twins stand in line for Commonwealth selection, which would represent the next major challenge in their karate careers. The Glasgow championships now loom as the next big goal as they continue building on an already impressive year.