Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A record number of female athletes are set to take centre stage this Saturday at White City Stadium, as the Inter-provincial Athletics Championships mark a watershed moment in Zimbabwean sport.
For the first time in the competition’s history, women make up over 45 percent of registered participants — a statistic hailed by National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) Vice-President Siphathisiwe Machaya as a “symbol of national progress.”
“We are tying up all the technical loose ends and want to ensure we provide a world-class experience for both athletes and spectators. Over 45 percent of our registered athletes are women, which is something we should all celebrate. That is progress we must acknowledge,” said Machaya.
This year’s edition stands out not only as a qualifier for the Southern Region Senior Championships, to be held in Harare this July, but also as a reflection of Naaz’s growing success with its Five-Year Athletics Development Plan.
For the first time, all ten provinces have fielded full squads — a milestone that highlights the emergence of youth talent across the nation. Competitors will battle it out in sprints, long-distance races, relays, high jump, javelin, and other field events.
“The athletes competing this weekend will play a pivotal role in determining who represents Zimbabwe at the SADC Region 5 Games in July — a critical step in our continental journey.
“But what makes this year’s event truly historic is the participation of these young athletes. It’s the largest turnout we’ve ever had at this level, and it’s no coincidence. It shows that our development plan is bearing fruit,” said Machaya.
With momentum building and national pride on the line, this weekend promises to be one of the most inspiring showcases of Zimbabwean athletics in recent memory.
