Setting the Stage for World-Class Karate: Zimbabwe...

Setting the Stage for World-Class Karate: Zimbabwe Gears up for Ambassador Cup

Patience Muchemwa

The Zimbabwe Karate Union is set for the Zimbabwe-Japanese Ambassador Cup set for Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex tomorrow.

Supported and funded by the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, the annual tournament, which is now in its tenth year since inauguration, has world history.

In an interview with Zim Now, Zimbabwe Karate Union president, Shihan Tawanda Mufundisi said: “The aim of this tournament is to bind Japanese-Zimbabwe’s cultural exchange at the same time promoting our local Karatekas. As we all know that Karate originated in Japan … it instils a lot of discipline, so partnering with Japanese Ambassador will foster discipline to local karatekas.

“This tournament is a stepping stone in the building of our athletes, improving them both mentally and physically ahead of upcoming events.”

The tournament is running under the theme “Say no to Drugs”.

This event is expected to have at least 400 athletes and this will be one of the biggest karate shows in the country.

It is going to attract more athletes and more audience as well.

The tournament has awards for first, second, third and fourth places in all categories.

The tournament has all age groups from under 5 years open to women and men.

“We have under 20, under 25, under 40, under 45, under 50, under 55 and girls and boys open and then from there we jump to women divisions. We have ladies under 55, ladies under 65 and ladies open.”

The event also affiliated men under 60, under 70 and men open.

The tournament is upholding gender balance through affiliating both male and female.

“I think we are tackling the 50/50 gender ratio because we have realised that now this time around, we have so many girl children participating and we also have so many women officiating administrative roles in ZKU so, I think we are winning on the stride to balance the gender,” said Shihan Mufundisi.