Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ANDRIANA Pearros and Chipo Kamoto were the standout performers at the inaugural Midlands Karate Championships held at Queens Sports Club in Kwekwe, on Saturday.
Pearros dominated his age division to claim gold, while Kamoto also impressed with a commanding display in her section as the new provincial event brought together some of the country’s most promising young karatekas.
The tournament drew participants as young as three years old, creating a lively family atmosphere that thrilled organisers and fans alike.
Event organiser Shepard Ziwira said he was pleased with the strong turnout and smooth running of the competition.
“The tournament went on well as planned and it was a learning curve for us. I hope it will be an annual event. The turnout was good and we had several categories starting from the small age of three-year-olds up to the open section.
We are grateful to the sponsors who helped make sure the tournament went on well. We did not have any disturbing incidents and I am very happy for that,” said Ziwira.
The day’s action opened on a high, with the youngest competitors, three and four-year-olds setting the tone. David Ncube and Trevor “Energy” Ncube were among the crowd favourites for their lively performances.
In the boys’ four to five years category, Lessley Chidavarume edged past Tinashe Dapira and Mukudzei Mapenduka in a tightly contested showdown, while Mikayla Tapfuma and Letwin Ncube ruled the seven-year-old girls’ division.
Aiden Ziwira, Ashleigh Madekubve, Isabela Mangezi, Tawana Dapira, Tinotenda Gambiza, Ethan Mapfumo, Jacob Ncube, Ryan Mugaragumbo, Nyasha Dube, Kimberly Frank, Tinaye Kandela, Elton Mzowa and Tadiwa Ncube all bagged gold medals in their respective junior categories.
There was more joy for Zoe Hewitt, Tanatswa Pedzera, Ruvarashe Ncube, Felistas Chifamba, Tanatswa Chipoyera and Tawanda Kotsi, who all clinched top honours in the cadet section.
Craig Mavunduse and Trinity Kotsi wrapped up the day with victories in their categories, rounding off an impressive first edition of the Midlands Karate Championships that left organisers optimistic about the future of the sport in the province.
