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Curtworth Masango
Shihan Wilfred Mashaya was accorded a humanitarian award at the 8th Humanitarian Martial Arts Festival and Seminar in Budva, Montenegro on Saturday.
Mashaya has been on ascendancy as he continues to conquer in the martial world spaces and was recognised for his exceptional contributions.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, Mashaya said gaining international recognition is something that he hopes many Zimbabwean athletes will achieve.
“I am happy to be awarded and selected as an individual from Africa by the Europeans.
“Being selected by people from another continent means a lot and it stand as a great honour to receive such a call.
“It’s a big win for the martial arts society in the country,” he said.
“It’s an honour that came around my achievements and the work that I do around the society of trying to work encouraging people to push through hardships beyond obstacles in life.
“So this comes as an honour for grooming a lot of kids and adults, who are also becoming champions on this world.”
Mashaya has called on corporates to chip in and assist with resources to help uplift more athletes for them to reach and conquer the international stage.
“Being appreciated in foreign land has made the locals also appreciate not only me but the talent we have in Zimbabwe.
“So yes you will find out that there is more people who also appreciate my talent in Zimbabwe but I think more has to be done for talent in our own country and supporting sport from the business people so that we can showcase our talent as sometimes financial constraints affect us to fully showcase our talents,” he said.
Mashaya is set to defend his Kobudo World title, which he won in England last year, in October.
He will be joined by 20 of his students at the ICO World Championship.
Online Reporter