adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
SEASONED karateka Samson Muripo says God is working miracles in his life after another stunning success story in Shanghai, China, at the weekend.He was crowned champion in the World So-Kyokushin Cup International tournament heavyweight category in Shanghai.
“I feel so humbled by God’s grace for giving me such a phenomenal gift which pushes itself to greater heights each time I am in great battles across the globe,” said Muripo.
Muripo, who recently won a bronze medal in Bulgaria, turned on a remarkable performance to scoop gold in the heavyweight division when he beat fellow Zimbabwean Naison Chituwa in the final.
Muripo went on to claim a silver medal in the super heavyweight category. This is the second time Muripo has won a world event.
His first title came in 2009 when he won the middleweight category in Japan during the World Cup Kyokushinkai Karate tournament to become the first African to win the title.
Kyokushin Union of Zimbabwe technical director, Kumbirai Musinami, was impressed by the two fighters as they raised the country’s flag high. “Samson came first in the heavyweight and Naison was second.
“We had sent only two people and remember I said we have a ranking to maintain. Samson ended up fighting also in the open weight, so he got a gold medal and silver. It was actually a Zimbabwe affair (in the heavyweight). We have got quite some karatekas in Zimbabwe and this proves that our standard is high.
“Naison was competing on the international arena for the first time and fighting a former champion to win a silver medal was quite a good performance.
“There were quite a number of participants, with about 20 countries taking part. It was an extremely good performance and I say well done,” said Musinami.
Zimbabwe initially wanted to send five fighters but financial challenges resulted in just two athletes going to represent the country. Muripo and Chituwa are expected to return home today.
Online Reporter