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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 11th edition of the Kwekwe Open Karate Championships, which will take place at Kwekwe Queens Sports Club on July 22, have gathered momentum with karatekas getting into intensive training.
The tournament, dubbed “Best of the Best,” is hosted by Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, who is the Japan Karate Association of Zimbabwe chief instructor and Midlands Karate Union technical director.
Several athletes from across the country are expected to grace the event which is also used to select the country’s representatives for some international competitions.
Top karatekas are expected to battle it out in the senior men’s, junior boys’ and junior girls’ categories.
Tanyaradzwa Ziwira, the defending champion in the senior men Under-60kg category said he was ready for the challenge and is confident that he will fare well in the tournament.
Tanyaradzwa, who is improving with each passing tournament, managed to pip his brother Tamuka for the gold medal last year and went on to do well at international stage.
“I am very prepared for the tournament and I know it is going to be a tough contest but I have since started training. I never took a break after I took part in the national team colours where I won a gold medal at the African Union Region 5 tournament last month.
“I am grateful to my trainer who is giving me a tight schedule which I am following religiously. There are good athletes whom I will face but I am ready for the challenge,” said Junior karatekas like Lovemore Mutune, Trinity Kotsi and Lucky Dube, who also scooped medals in the Region 5 tournament, are also in for the podium finish.
Adolf Chapwanyika, Stanley Mushambi, Hazel Chirima, Monica Peters, Tadiwa Mbewe, Ashley Khuddu, Fortune Nyabanga and Tapiwa Kotsi are also expected to shine after impressing at the just-ended Regional tournament.
Online Reporter