admin
Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports
KARATE is one of the sporting disciplines that are male-dominated with fewer girls and women venturing into the sport.
But, for Hazel Chirima that has not deterred her from pursuing her passion.
Chirima is one of the leading femalekaratekas in the country and has had her fair share of success in the sport.
She is a third dan Shotokan black belt holder making her one of the highly graded females in the country.
“The reason that led me to karate is just my passion for physical exercise and karate itself. I would imagine myself doing those flying kicks and all.
“As a female in a male-dominated, it means you are putting in more determination and hard work than men are expected to do and you are breaking barriers showing women how truly strong we are as women.
“My whole life, I have identified as a female karateka and it is something that has made me so proud and comfortable in my own skin.
“So, l wouldn’t even imagine not being a female karateka. Even though it’s not everything, it helped me figure out the other things that I am psychologically,” said Chirima.
The Gweru-based karateka last month represented the country at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Karate Championships where she won a gold medal in kata and silver in kumite.
Her journey began in 2006 and she has never looked back since then.
“When l look back at my weak and stiff self, l am amazed at the results of traditional karate training. I just showed up to the dojo and consistently put the work in.
“You don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great.
“Like any other sport or undertaking, karate has its own ups and downs. That I want to admit. It tastes good when you win, but to lose becomes something else,” said Chirima.
Although the numbers of female karatekas are still low compared to their male-counterparts, Chirima is optimistic of the future.
And encouraged aspiring and upcoming athletes to stand up for what they believe in.
“I see women transcending more boundaries than ever before. I see stronger, faster, determined women who aren’t afraid of what others think of them, taking up the sport to the best of their abilities and breaking the gender barriers.
“Don’t let anyone discourage you from following your dreams no matter how unrealistic they may seem to everyone else.
“If you truly love your sport, then pursue it…
“Be confident in your authentic abilities no matter what anybody tells you. As long as you are confident in yourself, it will take you further than anything else.
“My advice would be incomplete without mentioning the adverse effects of drugs on sports. All upcoming athletes should refrain from using drugs to enhance their performances,” said Chirima.
Chirima’s coach Victor Bunu attributed her success to “years of practice, consistency, and getting the right exposure.”
He believes Chirima’s story can inspire more females to venture into sport.
“Hazel’s story definitely will inspire a lot of other females to participate in sport. She grew up in an ordinary high-density Mkoba suburb and has reached dizzy heights in sport.
“She is one of the highly graded females in Zimbabwe, a third dan black belt, and has competed at various international tournaments including World Karate Championships 2012 in France and winning Region Five competitions is also a milestone in Zimbabwe sport,” said Bunu.
Online Reporter
dyton mupawaenda