Best of the best karate championships preps on course

ORGANISERS of the annual Kwekwe Open Karate Championships say all is in place ahead of this year’s edition of the competition to be held on July 27 and 28 at Queens Sports Club.

The tournament organised by Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, will be marking its 14th anniversary and will see top karatekas taking part.

Ziwira said preparations for the prestigious event are well on course.

“From the beginning of the year, we have been preparing for the event. This is one of the biggest competitions on the land and we want to make sure there are no hiccups when the tournament kicks off. The tournament is expected to run for two days after it has proved to be too big an event to be staged in one day. The first day will be for kids and Under-21 athletes, and the second day for seniors,” said Ziwira.

He said they want to make sure the event is a family-friendly tournament.

“We will strictly follow the internationally set rules and regulations. We also assure you that there will be fair play and maximum transparency. It is indeed our hope that you will have a wonderful time once again with us in Kwekwe and that you will enjoy your interaction with all the other members of the karate family,” said Ziwira.

The tournament, dubbed “Best of the Best,” is hosted by Ziwira, who is the Japan Karate Association of Zimbabwe chief instructor and Midlands Karate Union Chief referee.

Several athletes from across the country are expected to grace the event which is also used to select the country’s representatives for some international competitions.

Top karatekas are expected to battle it out in the senior men’s, junior boys’ and junior girls’ categories.

@innocentskizoe