Zimbabwe's sporting stars set to shine at revived ...

Zimbabwe's sporting stars set to shine at revived ANSA

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

After a four-year hiatus, the lights are back on, the trophies are polished, and the red carpet is being rolled out. Zimbabwe's sporting fraternity is buzzing with excitement as the Annual National Sports Awards make a triumphant return, promising a night of glamour and celebration. The Sports and Recreation Commission has officially unveiled the nominees for ANSA 2024, signaling a vibrant resurgence of the nation's most prestigious sporting honors.

The grand event, scheduled for March 30, 2025, at the elegant Cresta Lodge in Msasa, is set to be a spectacle of athletic achievement and national pride. This long-awaited comeback marks a significant milestone, a rekindling of the flame that celebrates the heart and soul of Zimbabwean sport.

"The last edition of ANSA was held in 2020 before the world was abruptly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic," recalled SRC Board Member Colleen De Jong during the unveiling ceremony. "The ensuing restrictions and global uncertainty significantly affected the sports industry, leading to the unavoidable suspension of the awards."

The global pause, however, did not dim the spirit of Zimbabwe’s athletes. As sports gradually regained momentum, the SRC seized the opportunity to elevate the ANSA experience, ensuring its revival would be nothing short of spectacular. This year’s theme, "Setting the Gold Standard," embodies a renewed commitment to excellence, a promise to honor the dedication and triumphs of Zimbabwe’s sports community with unparalleled prestige.

The 2024 edition is not just about celebrating the present. It’s also a moment to right a wrong, to acknowledge the achievements that went uncelebrated. In a gesture of heartfelt appreciation, the ceremony will include a special tribute to the 2023 winners, ensuring their contributions are finally recognized and celebrated.

"The unveiling of nominees today is the first step in rekindling and repositioning the ANSA legacy," De Jong passionately declared. "We are honored to celebrate this moment with all of you."