Top karatekas converge on Kwekwe

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

SEVERAL top karatekas from across the country are expected to converge in Kwekwe next month for the 2023 Kwekwe Invitational Karate Championships. The annual event is scheduled for July 22 at Queens Sports Club in Kwekwe.

Tournament organiser sensei Shepherd Ziwira shared his delight to be hosting another top karate tournament, which returned last year after the Covid-19 disruptions of 2020 and 2021.

Invitations have since been sent out to clubs and individual karatekas.

“We are pleased and honoured to invite you and your athletes to participate in the annual Kwekwe Invitational Karate Championships 2023 that will take place at Queens Sports Club on July 22,” the invitation read.

“We are committed to making this event a successful one through adherence to the highest standards of preparation in order to create an ideal atmosphere for all participating teams.

“We also assure you that there will be fair play and maximum transparency. It is indeed our hope that you will have a wonderful time once again with us in Kwekwe, and that you will enjoy your interaction with all the other members of the karate family.

“We are looking forward to receiving your confirmation of participation for this event no later than 10 July 2023.”

Last year the tournament saw Tanyaradzwa Ziwira pip his brother Tanaka for the gold medal in the senior men Under-60kg category.

The karateka went on to do well in the national team colours after winning a gold medal at the African Union Region 5 tournament last weekend.

Junior karatekas like Lovemore Mutune, Trinity Kotsi and Lucky Dube who also scooped medals in the Region 5 tournament, are also in for the podium finish.

Adolf Chapwanyika, Hazel Chirima, Ashley Khuddu and Tapiwa Kotsi are also expected to shine after impressing at the just-ended Regional tournament.

The tournament, dubbed “Best of the Best,” is hosted by Ziwira, who is the Japan Karate Association of Zimbabwe chief instructor and Midlands Karate Union technical director.