Online Reporter
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
A NEW sport – beach wrestling – has sprung up in Zimbabwe.
Fronted by the Zimbabwe Wrestling Federation’s interim national executive board, this sport is rich in both education and entertainment.
It also promotes physical fitness and self-defence to the young generation.
Beach wrestling is a dynamic, fast-paced version of traditional wrestling practiced in a sand-filled circle.
Recognised by United World Wrestling (UWW), it focuses purely on standing techniques, explosive takedowns, and pushing the opponent out of bounds.
Recognised by United World Wrestling (UWW), it focuses purely on standing techniques, explosive takedowns, and pushing the opponent out of bounds.
Matches are designed to be simple to judge and highly engaging for spectators.
Beach wrestling is traditional wrestling played on a sandy circle marked with a 7m diameter ring.
Points are attained from takedowns and push outs and a throw of an opponent flat on their back.
Beach wrestling is now recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
ZWF’s interim board’s secretary-general and treasurer, Aleck Makamure Magoto, said plans are in place to spread the sport to all of the country’s 10 provinces.
They will have an induction course in Harare this coming weekend.
“Induction of the interim provincial chairs will be held from May 22 to 24 at Raregold Resort and practicals will be held at ZRP High School in Hatcliffe on Saturday, May 23,” Magoto said.
The practicals will be led by the ZRP High School’s Wrestling Club.
It is led by one of the country’s top female motocross riders, Tadiwanashe Nyamupfukudza, who is also into beach wrestling.
“Kenzim Club will do the demonstrations. Sports Commission members were advised and will bless the occasion,” Magoto said.
He said the ZWF have already picked an interim national executive which will be under the board which will be u der the leadership of their president Jonathan Muvungi.
The other members of the ZWF’s interim national executive board are Nomsa Mangwende (vice president), Tapiwa Mukombe (vice president), Blessing Mashingaidze (marketing director) and Denis Manjengwa (technical director).
“This interim board is fully committed to taking the sport of beach wrestling to all the 10 provinces.
“We would like to make it one of the most popular sporting disciplines in this country,” Magoto said.
It has exploded in popularity in recent years, featuring prominently in the Beach Wrestling World Series and the ANOC World Beach Games.
