Charandura aims higher

Sports Correspondent
NYASHA Charandura of National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is aiming for the best during the World University Games in Russia next month. The 200m race specialist is part of the Zimbabwean team which will participate in the World University Games and he is in a relaxed mood ahead of the event.
‘‘I am ready for Russia and hope to do my best by performing to the best of my ability. I know what I am capable of doing,’’ said Charandura.
His personal best in the 200m is 20.83 seconds which he set at the Southern African College Games in Botswana in 2010.

It has been three years and Charandura has been unable to surpass that standard saying he does not want to push himself to the limit before major competitions.

During the weekend he participated in the Zimbabwe Tertiary Institution Sports Association (ZTISA) Games.
He came second in the 100m in 10.57 seconds and first in the 200m clocking 21.21 seconds.

Asked if his statistics over the weekend are a serious sign of someone who can challenge for honours in Russia, Charandura was evasive in his response.

‘‘I have been taking it easy on the track because I don’t want to push myself too much. I may pull a muscle or strain myself before taking part in major competitions. Besides the games in Russia there is also tri-nations championships to be held in Malawi in August,’’ he said.

On his chances especially coming up against the best from around the world in Russia, Charandura said he will do his best during the games.
‘‘Of course everyone wants to be number one but I will be myself and try my best. You don’t expect me to fly all the way to Russia and lose. I will not do anything new on the track but what I have always been doing in training,’’ said Charandura.

Considering that the other countries have been in camp for the past two months, Charandura and company need to up their game if they entertain hopes of winning medals.

‘‘I have not been in camp but this cannot be taken as a disadvantage. It just depends with the situation and I have to deal with what is there. I have been training to keep in shape and the facilities I have been using are fair,’’ he said.

Quizzed about sponsorship Charandura was quick to say the community does not support athletics in Zimbabwe.
‘‘We need sponsorship but it is unfortunate that the community does not support athletics otherwise we can do better with sponsorship from the community,’’ he said.

Charandura has the determination, passion and the energy which can see him salvage something in Russia.