adminWashaya repeated the same feat in boys’ triple jump that saw him win the gold medal in last year’s edition after posting an impressive 15,3m while Ushe Shava of Mashonaland West settled for silver medal after posting 14m.
Charles John of Matabeleland South won bronze after posting 13,75m to give the province their second medal of the competitions as they picked another bronze in high jump. Takudzwa Muchicha of Mashonaland East won gold in high jump and forced Washaya to settle for second place in a tightly contested event. In the boys’ 5 000m Masvingo Province picked a gold medal after Wellington Varevi raced to 15.22.32sec with Tatenda Hove of Midlands settling for second place after posting 15.24.63sec to grab a silver medal.
Matabeleland North won bronze after Daniel Ncube raced to 15.24.89sec as they picked their first medal at this year’s tournament.
Midlands scooped a gold medal in women’s 5 000m while Mashonaland East won silver with hosts
Mashonaland Central grabbing their first medal after settling for bronze.
Harare have for the past years dominated the National Youth Games and this year they face stiff competition with various provinces showing great improvement especially in the track and field events.
Despite the threat posed by these provinces, Harare Provincial Sports coordinator Newstern Chipoya remains confident of his side’s chances of maintaining their position as the country’s best sporting province.
“We are expecting to do well just like in the previous editions and like usual we are aiming to reap more medals from the track and field events.
“We are not looking much into the long distances as rural provinces are dominant in those disciplines but we are still in with a big shout.
“Our boys’ soccer has improved and they are very encouraging because this team we have assembled can represent us for the next three years which is a good thing,” said Chipoya.
He also reiterated that the Games should not only be staged for winning medals but should also act as a developmental platform where talent can be identified.
“It’s not all about getting results but the thrust is also on developing talent for national teams and to represent the country at the biggest sporting events like the Olympics.
In netball, action continued yesterday with Midlands dismissing hosts Mashonaland Central 29-23 while Bulawayo got the better of Mashonaland West 25-15.
Masvingo thumped Matabeleland North 39-19 and Manicaland beat Matabeleland South 25-16. In tennis there was a lot of activity after the completion of the other two courts and Harare, Midlands, Manicaland and Mashonaland West have all progressed to the semi-finals pencilled in for Bindura Primary tomorrow.
In boxing there was a lot of excitement at Tendai Hall yesterday where it was filled to capacity with Mashonaland East knocking out Harare Province in the third bout while Matabeleland South got the better of Manicaland.
Bulawayo emerged victorious against Mashonaland West while Mash Central dismissed Masvingo and the final draw for a semi-final berth are set for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Local Organising Committee ed by chief executive Stan Kasukuwere has spread the competition venues to various districts and they are happy with the response from the community.
“There is a lot of interest from the community and the games look set to be a success. We are happy that all the sporting facilities are now in use and the games are going on well,” said Kasukuwere.
It will be a resting day for all teams today and Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Saviour Kasukuwere is expected to address the National Youth in Sport Conference that is targeting team managers and coaches.
Online Reporter