Organisers of next month's Africa Karate Championships in Botswana are expecting around 35 countries to compete ©WKF

Organisers of next month's African Karate Championships in Botswana are expecting around 35 countries to compete.

More than 1,000 athletes from 25 nations have entered the event, scheduled to run from July 9 to 14 in Botswana's capital Gaborone.

It is anticipated that more competitors will register before the Championships begin.

According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, the Organising Committee is upbeat it can stage a successful edition of the event.

An Opening Ceremony is set to be held on July 12.

The host nation is expected to field a team of around 40 athletes, who will be joined by two senior coaches and four assistant coaches.

Egypt topped the medal table at the 2018 African Karate Championships in Kigali in Rwanda ©WKF
Egypt topped the medal table at the 2018 African Karate Championships in Kigali in Rwanda ©WKF

Egypt topped the medal table at the 2018 African Karate Championships in Kigali in Rwanda with 16 golds.

The North African nation will be out to repeat their dominance when they compete in Botswana.

The African Karate Championships follow a concerted effort from the World Karate Federation (WKF) to develop the sport on the continent.

WKF President Antonio Espinós earlier this month visited Algeria to discuss the sport with Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa counterpart Mustapha Berraf.