Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN powerlifters — Godwin Mhaka, Waseem Kuraweley and Spiwe Munyaka —won gold medals at the 2026 United World Sports and Fitness Federation Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at the weekend.
Munyaka was first to the podium on Friday and won gold in the Under-90kg full powerlifting category. he Kwekwe-based athlete was also voted the overall women champion after also impressing in the ladder deadlift.
Mhaka dominated the competition to come first overall in the Under-125kg full powerlifting category. He was also voted the best tournament powerlifter.
Compatriot Kuraweley won gold in the deadlift Under-85kg.
The local powerlifters were competing against top athletes from Great Britain, Australia, India, Pakistan. USA, Myanmar, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Thailand, Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Nepal, Ireland and Pakistan.
Mhaka, who was the team coach and leader, said they put in a lot of effort to come out victorious.
“I am happy to have successfully captured another powerlifting accolade and it is all through hard work.
“Bodybuilding and power-lifting are individual sports that needs personal support and I am grateful to everyone who made this trip a success. After I had failed to take part in some contests last year, it gave me courage to work hard for this tournament and the results are speaking for themselves.
“I am happy that we managed to do well and we are looking forward to more support as we seek to enter more global tournaments this year. The competition was tough, especially considering the number of athletes we came up against but we pulled through,” said Mhaka.
Mhaka is not new at winning international contests after he also captured the 2025 Mr Universe title.
