tawandamusarurwa
The Art of Sport
Arthur Choga
WHEN one is called a world champion, the feeling must be out of this world (excuse the pun). It clearly should be the greatest feeling in the world.
Zimbabwe has had its fair share of world-beating performances.
Zimbabwean sports stars like karateka Shihan Samson Muripo (2009, 2017) and the national polocrosse team (1997) were at one point crowned champions.
I deliberately picked these two sports because they fall outside the widely recognised major disciplines.
There has always been a feeling among fans that some sports are bigger and more deserving of attention than others.
However, a nation can create a name for itself in particular events and become renowned in the process.
Finland has produced eight World Rally Championship drivers with a combined 15 titles.
They have the highest number of champions of any country in the sport.
France has only three champions, and one of them — Sebastien Loeb — has nine titles.
The Finnish titles have come at intervals, with the latest winner, Kalle Rovanpera, being the current world champion, breaking Loeb’s run. The Finns, however, have never won in a car made in their own country.
Interestingly, they also boast four Formula One championships, meaning their driving skills have been transferred across disciplines.
Success stories of Kenyan middle- and long-distance runners are well-documented, as are those of Ethiopians.
India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s commitment to success in cricket is also known.
These nations have identified what they are good at and built an entire industry and national pride around it.
So, sports that may not be otherwise globally respected can help turn nations into globally recognised brands.
But football unquestionably commands the biggest following globally and is watched by billions.
Rugby has its own World Cup, and this year’s edition starts on September 8 with a big game between the legendary New Zealand’s All Blacks and hosts France.
Cricket has World Cups in different formats.
The recent netball World Cup ended with Australia lifting the trophy yet again.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup has captured the imagination of many football fans.
In each of these sports, both Australia and England have a regular presence.
In the Women’s World Cup, England and Australia clashed in the semi-final, with the former emerging victorious.
They face Spain in today’s final.
South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco advanced beyond the first round, while Zambia, which made its first appearance at the global showcase, exited in the first round, but not before they secured a maiden win.
Overall, being called world champions is an honour that is earned.
So, Australia is clearly determined to build a legacy beyond rugby and cricket — the two sports they were previously known for.
Each sport has a way of recognising its heroes and making them feel special.
The path to become the world’s best begins by talent identification at an early age.
It is followed by proper and structured training for success.
It is also backed by the right administrative and coaching skills, as well as commitment at all levels of the sport, from policy-making to funding.
Further, it is honed by regular competition of the level that turns gifted competitors into world beaters.
Football legend Alois Bunjira wrote a beautiful piece on football scouting after watching a match between South Africa and Sweden at the Women’s World Cup.
His emphasis on the need to build teams fit for purpose, rather than for entertainment, as we have generally become used to, summed up what needs to happen in local sport.
Zimbabwe has already shown the capacity to be the best in the world.
There are players across the country with medals, trophies and certificates to prove this.
Even as we continue to back the mass-loved sports, so to speak, it is strategic to locate and support the disciplines that can bring glory to the country.
We now have young people becoming Olympic champions in rock climbing, skateboarding and other such activities that have turned into sports.
There must be some world-beating players in the various clubs, schools, bars and other places where a number of activities are taking place.
We need to unearth our next world champions.
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