Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini
TAEKWONDO fanatics were treated to a feast of matches at the Korean Ambassador’s Cup Championship held over the weekend in Harare.
It was part of celebrations for the Zimbabwe and Korea alliance, which celebrated 30 years.
The event was held at Belvedere Teachers’ College in Harare and drew participants from various regions across Zimbabwe.
Bulawayo was represented by seven athletes, two seniors and five juniors who are members of Tricksters Taekwondo Club.
The city athletes brought home two gold medals in the juniors’ championship. The National Taekwondo Championship also known as the Korean Ambassador’s Cup is held annually in Zimbabwe.
Zim-Korea relations are bearing fruit as the tournament was sponsored by the South Korean Embassy.
Usually, the event is held in October, however, this year it was held earlier due to commemorations of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Zimbabwe.
Individual athletes from Malawi and Mozambique also participated in the championships.
Taekwondo is a martial art sport, which originated from Korea. It is the highest form of ancient art used in warfare and requires discipline and confidence, this relates directly to modern taekwondo training, which provides self-defence skills as well as improved character, self-discipline and confidence that can be applied to any task.
It is a way of living.
Tricksters Club’s Mkhululi Sibanda said that the youngest of the athletes who won a gold, is six-year-old Odeliah Mtetwa while Anashe Pfumojena (6) won silver.
Ten-year-old Jayden Dube won gold, Shaun Nkomo (12) bronze and 16-year-old Mitchell Mathe picked up a silver medal.
“I’m pleased by the team’s performance, especially considering the fact that it was the first tournament for most of the athletes, especially for all juniors.
“The participation gave the athletes an opportunity to experience real competition and measure themselves, and the medals are a testament to the level of skill the athletes have gained so far in their few months of training,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda said that he felt honoured to be a part of such an event.
“It was an honour to meet officials from the Korean Embassy and they promised to collaborate with our club, and they marvelled at performances from our young athletes Mtetwa and Pfumojena,” said Sibanda.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo