Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
A FORM 4 pupil at Himagu Secondary School in Bulilima District, Shamiso Chitopo, has once again put Matabeleland South on the sporting map after claiming gold in the Javelin U20 Girls category at the National Youth and Paralympic Games 2026.
This marked a long-awaited return of the multi-discipline event after a six-year hiatus and were held in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province.
Her latest triumph builds on an impressive run that saw her also win gold in the Under-18 girls’ javelin at the 2026 NASH National Competitions in Harare earlier this year, a result that capped her rapid rise from dominating at district level in Bulilima to provincial championships and now to national honours, with her command of the runway, release, throwing arc and landing sector drawing praise from coaches and officials who have been tracking her progress.
The return of the National Youth and Paralympic Games underscores the pivotal role of sport in youth development and reflects Government’s commitment to creating platforms that identify, nurture and empower young Zimbabweans through structured sporting programmes that cut across backgrounds and abilities.
Speaking after her victory, Chitopo said she was overwhelmed with joy and pride to have represented Bulilima District with distinction and to have contributed a gold medal to Matabeleland South Province in the first edition of the games in six years, adding that the support she has received from her school, community and provincial structures has been instrumental in her journey.
“I am super excited that I managed to do well and represent my district, Bulilima, with pride and also do my best to make sure Matabeleland South Province gets a gold in the return of these competitions. I am eager to represent my country at regional and international competitions. Thank you for the support I have received from everyone who has been following my journey,” said Chitopo.
National Youth and Paralympic Games general manager Arthur Maphosa also hailed Chitopo’s achievement, describing her as one of the standout athletes to emerge from rural Zimbabwe.
He also noted that her story demonstrates how talent can be discovered even in the deepest parts of the country when opportunities are created.
“Shamiso Chitopo, female, from Hingwe village in the depths of Bulilima Province scooped the gold medal. The athletes were given gold medals. We hope that as the games grow, we have prize money and souvenirs accompanying the medals,” said Maphosa.
Maphosa said Chitopo has already been earmarked for further development through provincial and national high-performance programmes, with the ultimate goal of preparing her for regional and international competitions where she can don the Zimbabwe colours and compete against the best on the continent and beyond.
“The athlete is earmarked for further development to make it into the regional and international competitions. Nothing beats donning Zim colours and representing the country,” he said.
“As a province, we are excited about this win. It is an indicator that sport cuts through backgrounds and barriers. We will continue to cast our net wide to ensure that all talent is identified, developed and exposed. We leave no stone unturned.”
With two national gold medals in one year and the backing of both her school and provincial sports authorities, Chitopo’s journey from Himagu Secondary in Bulilima to the podium in Marondera is being seen as proof that investment in grassroots sport can yield champions.
As the National Youth and Paralympic Games return to the calendar, her story is expected to inspire more young athletes across Matabeleland South to pursue athletics with the belief that talent, discipline and opportunity can take them all the way to the top.
