Kwekwe Karate champs on cards

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

IT will be that time of the year again at Queens Sports Club in Kwekwe when Gloves are off in the annual Kwekwe National Invitational Karate Championships this coming Saturday.

The prestigious tournament, running for its 16th edition, has become one of the most important fixtures on Zimbabwe’s martial arts calendar.

Dubbed the “Best of the Best,” the tournament returns with an added edge this year as it caters for all age-groups ranging from four year olds to veterans. Reigning champion in the seniors Under-60kg, Tanyaradzwa Ziwira, will have to fight not just to retain his crown, but to use it as a precursor to the World Karate Championship scheduled for Brazil in just over a fortnight.

Also gunning for glory are seasoned campaigners Fortune Nyabanga, Blessing Sithole, Trinity Kotsi and, Lovemore Mutune setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested event. Tournament organiser, Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, who doubles as the JKS Shotokan Federation of Zimbabwe technical director and Midlands Chief referee, said all systems are ready to go.

“We are pleased and honoured to announce that the annual Kwekwe National Invitational Karate Championships 2026 stage set for August 1at Queens Sports Club,” said Ziwira.

“We are committed to making this event a successful one through adherence to the highest standards of preparations to create an ideal atmosphere for all participating teams and individuals. “All necessary things like T-shirts, trophies and certificates for the winners are already in place.”

The tournament, which attracts top karatekas from across Zimbabwe, will feature a full card across various age-groups, senior men, junior boys, and junior girls.

This year’s edition is cumbersome in that it has athletes who will be preparing for the World Karate Championships in Brazil in three weeks’ time.

With medals, bragging rights, and national spots all on the line, Kwekwe is set for a high-octane weekend where only the sharpest will survive.