Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE upcoming annual Kwekwe Invitational Karate Championships got a thumbs-up after Midlands Minister of Devolution, Owen Ncube, got his honorary black belt at the weekend.
The tournament, which is organised by Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, who doubles as the JKS Shotokan Federation of Zimbabwe technical director and Midlands Chief referee, will be held this Saturday at Queens Sports Club in Kwekwe.
Ziwira said he was happy to have honoured the Midlands minister with the belt and that was a seal of approval for a bigger and better 16th edition of the Kwekwe Invitational Karate Championships.
“I am happy that we have managed to honour one of our main supporters, Minister Ncube, with a black belt ahead of the 16th edition of the Kwekwe Invitational Karate Championships. We acknowledge the good works he is doing to uplift the youths in the Midlands through sporting activities, and his stance against the scourge of drug and substance abuse among the youths.
“It’s all systems go now as we continue to put final touches to the preparations and 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, medals, 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 as we have athletes who will be preparing for the World Karate Championships in Brazil in three weeks.
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.
