Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Judo Association of Zimbabwe are bracing for next week’s Japanese Ambassador Cup with hopes of staging the biggest event since the tournament’s launch in 2016.
President Smart Deke says the competition has become vital for sharpening local athletes and must be backed by more regular contests.
The annual meet, set for September 27 at The Grange Christian School, is run in partnership with the Japanese Embassy. Deke expects a strong turnout.
“We are expecting our neighbouring countries to come and participate as Botswana and Zambia have expressed interest to come and take part. We have 25 clubs that we are expecting to come and participate and close to 200 judo athletes participating.
“We also have new schools coming to take part, Murehwa High School and Epworth High School. We are likely to see a much bigger competition as this will include our youngest junior athletes to the senior participating on the same day. So, we are likely to run four mats for the competition,” he said.
He added that the Cup has become a pillar of the sport’s growth in Zimbabwe.
“The Japanese Ambassador Cup has contributed a lot in the growth of Judo in Zimbabwe. Judo being a Japanese sport, it has also strengthened cooperation relationship between Japan and Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe’s judokas have been active beyond their borders this year. Some competed in the African Open Championships in South Africa and the African Junior Championships in Angola, while others were part of Team Zimbabwe at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games. Thirty Under-15 judokas also tested themselves at the South Africa Championship Open tournament.
“From January to now we have had some judokas who participated in international competitions that includes Africa Open Championship. We had two athletes who participated, Majaji Musariri, senior Under-73kg, and Zack Smith, who participated under juniors and won a bronze medal,” Deke said.
He stressed the need for more events to build on such progress.
“We would want to run more tournaments locally and have some consistency in our participation at continental and international events. Due to lack of funds it’s not yet enough as we are still lagging behind other countries who receive support from their governments or sponsorships to participate in other major international events.
“We need to participate more, which will help our athletes to prepare as we are facing the Youth Olympics, African Games and Olympics ahead we need more exposure to prepare. Zimbabwe Olympic Committee has already started the process to ask us about the potential judo athletes who might take part. So, we are working well with ZOC,” he said.
Next year’s Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, will be the first to be staged on African soil. Deke believes steady international exposure is key if local judokas are to make a mark there and beyond.
