Chronicle EditorEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ADMIRE Chingozhoro’s star continues to shine as he claimed second position at the 47th All Japan Karate tournament over the weekend in Shizuoka.
Zimbabwe had four karatekas from so-kyokushin style — Samson Muripo, Shadreck Chigombe, Kelly Mtisi and Chingozhoro — taking part in the two-day tournament held on Saturday and Sunday. So-kyokushin technical director, Kumbirai Musinami said they were impressed with the results from Japan having sent four karatekas compared to other countries that field many participants.
“It looks like glory follows us everywhere we go. Admire has clinched second position and Samson Muripo clinched sixth position. This is an open tournament where one person is supposed to win. The first 10 fighters get medals.
“There were well over 45 fighters from different countries. But we managed to send four fighters and out of the four, two of them have claimed medals.
“I need to say our fighters did very well because some countries bring in about eight fighters with coaches and everything but we had four fighters only. So that’s an outstanding result for us,” said Musinami.
Last year Chingozhoro came sixth in the same tournament. He went on to win the Second So-Kyokushin International Karate tournament Ohishi Cup’s Open weight title in Iran in August of the same year.
Musinami said Chingozhoro’s performance in Japan is a sign of maturity and also hailed former world champion Muripo, who came sixth.
“I think it shows that he is actually growing and maturing with age just like wine. Admire has shown he is maturing and adapting.
“I would say actually with the pressure of having to double as the coach, Muripo’s result is what I am delighted in. He has been there before and has to help the other fighters and then he comes sixth, that is an outstanding fighter.
“Sensei Shadreck and Kelly, this was their first international event. They have the potential. From what I am getting they won their first fights. I know sensei Shadreck had the toughest fight. He had to face the defending champion, so I think it was difficult for him since this was his first time.
“We sent two fighters who had experience and two were like understudying because we want continuity when the likes of Muripo retire,” said Musinami. The So-kyokushin technical director said they are looking forward to a bright future in karate.
“At this stage I am actually talking about Zimbabwe, this tournament’s result speaks volume about our country and the talent we have. Zimbabwe has a lot of talent and potential that we have not tapped fully.
“With the right support from the government and the corporate world we can develop fast. If we continue in the right direction we can achieve great things,” added Musinami.
Some of the countries that took part in the weekend’s tournament include Iran, Brazil, Russia and Japan.
The four fighters are expected back home tomorrow.
Online Reporter