admin
Tendai Gukutikwa
Sports Reporter
JUDOKAS from Milestone Group of Schools in Rusape did Manicaland Province proud after scooping 16 medals during the Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Tournament held in Harare recently.
The 27 judokas exhibited a rattling performance and scooped six gold, four silver and six bronze medals in the oversubscribed tournament which saw 270 schools from across the country, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo participating.
The Japanese Ambassadors Judo Cup is an annual event aimed at promoting cultural exchange and friendship between Zimbabwe and Japan, as well as to foster the development of judo in the country.
The tournament is organised by Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ) with the support of the Japanese Embassy.
JAZ president, Sensei Smart Deke acknowledged the support they receive annually from the Japanese Embassy.
“The Japanese Embassy has been one of our greatest supporters. They are planning to fund the construction of a judo dojo for our association. They have been also been assisting us with kits for our upcoming clubs,” he said.
In an interview, Milestone Judo Club patron, Rangarirayi Sithole said the judokas showcased great skill and discipline in the prestigious tournament.
“Our team impressed the judges and spectators with their outstanding performances and brought honour to the province. This was our second time to participate in this prestigious tournament. We are excited to announce that the judokas exhibited a rattling performance and scooped 16 medals, of which six were gold, four silver and six bronze,” said Sithole.
Dylan Zvenyika, Fedora Dube, Tinotenda Godobo, Thandiwe M’dimu, Makanaka Chipikiri and Tanatswa Zvandasara scooped gold medals, while Chiedza Maruve, Binali Yard, Nyasha Mutangadura and Kupakwashe Sanyanga won silver medals.
Tadiwanashe Mabandla, Darrel Madziyire, Nelly Zona, Makanaka Nherera, Ariella Chikowo and Tyler Tevera scooped silver medals.
“We would like to thank our coach, Sensei Smart Deke and his assistants, Sensei Brian Chiminyaand Sensei Allen, as well as my co-patron, Ms Prudence Muvaro for preparing our judokas into champions,” he said.
He said there is need to raise awareness that judo is not a violent sport.
“Judo teaches judokas to exercise uttermost discipline, both on and off the mat, and we wish to see more schools from Manicaland joining the sport. It is not a violent sport, but one that also teaches its participants self-defence skills.
“At such tournaments, participants are taught to apply judo techniques more comfortably. The athletes will also learn to master quite a number of judo skills,” said Sithole.
The team also represented Zimbabwe in South Africa in July where they scooped silver medals in a tightly contested South Africa Judo Open Championships Tournament.
They contested against DRC, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
Online Reporter