Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza, [email protected]
Zimbabwe’s contingent delivered a historic performance at the Ring Contact Fighting Arts World Championships, clinching three medals and the event’s biggest overall award, which concluded at Emerald Casino in Vanderbijlpark.
The five-athlete team, sponsored by Walter Musanhu and supported by multiple local organisations, returned with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Redeem Chikuwira claimed the under-65kg world championship title, securing Zimbabwe’s only gold of the tournament.
In the 58kg division, Luke Foya earned silver after his championship bout was stopped and declared a draw due to the opponent falling ill.
Officials awarded Foya the silver medal under fair play rules. Jeke Jonathan rounded out the medal tally with a bronze.
However, the team faced disappointment when Victor Chiweshe was disqualified for failing to enter the ring on time because of miscommunication with the changing room manager.
Team manager Maxwell Mawire described the overall result as a major achievement for Zimbabwean martial arts.
“It was great and gave exposure to my team,” Mawire said.
“I am happy with the performance; the team worked hard for this. And the support from everyone around was incredible.
“I saw the corporate world coming together to make this event a success.”
He added, “Our athletes are excited; they managed to execute their techniques under pressure. And it’s an honour to win medals representing the country,” said Mawire.
The contingent received backing from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and the Zimbabwe Karate union (ZKU).
Mawire added that two international associations have initiated talks that could change the athletes’ lives, with some of the boys set to try their hand at professional amateur MMA.
derick.khumalo