Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports
JUDO Association of Zimbabwe president Smart Deke is hopeful the inaugural awards held over the weekend in Harare to honour and recognise their outstanding members will go a long way in promoting the sport.
JAZ honoured athletes who excelled in the 2025 season as well as officials, sponsors and parents.
This is the first time the national association held the awards, and JAZ president Deke said it is going to be an annual event.
“Due to the outstanding performance we had last year, we thought of coming up with an awards ceremony and recognising the hard work that has been done throughout the year,” said Deke.
“We meant to do it last year, but there was a lot that was happening and people were busy.
“Some were not available, and that is why we thought of doing it this year, combining it with the tournament that we had also over the weekend.”
The awards ceremony was held alongside the National Junior Ranking competition, which marked the start of the season.
“It’s now going to become an annual event, and this means a lot for the sport because anyone who is representing the nation also feels good to be recognised. It also gives competition to other athletes seeing that if they work so hard, the association can recognise them in terms of rewarding them. That’s why we thought it was going to be very helpful in the growth of our association.
“This is why we also included the sponsors as well. It’s a way of attracting other sponsors to see that we recognise them, and whatever they are doing, it’s not going in vain,” said Deke. Some of the recognised athletes include Zack Smith, who walked away with the Judoka of the Year Male Shield.
For the cadets, Ropafadzo Viano got the Judoka of the Year Cadet Female award, while the Judoka of the Year Cadet Male award went to John Mutsito.
Sydney Mutero got the Most Hard-Working Commission Director of the Year award.
“As one of the winners, it does mean a lot to me. And coming from the perspective that I began as an athlete, then got into coaching. And, at the moment I am doubling between coaching and being the director for fundraising and events, it really means a lot being recognised by the association that you work so hard for. I am very excited, and I am happy to be honoured especially being the first edition,” said Mutero.
JAZ also recognised the Embassy of Japan for their partnership that has been key in promoting judo in Zimbabwe, through various initiatives including the Japanese Ambassador Cup held annually.
