Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE have this week been basking in the successful hosting of the International Karate Youth League 1 tournament, which they believe has set a new benchmark for other African countries to follow.
As they look to the having the curtain coming down on the prestigious event, which has been running at the City Sports Centre since Thursday, Zimbabwe National Karate Federation president Joe Rugwete took time to reflect on one the finest moments for the sport code in the country.
Rugwete and his ZNKF have been hosting 34 other countries and 200 athletes at the jamboree that will see Under-14 Boys and Girls in competition today.
“For us as Zimbabwe in general, we are very happy to have hosted a tournament as big as this one.
“It is an opportunity to give our young athletes an exposure which they rarely get as travelling is expensive.
“We have been the first country in Africa to host the event and we are grateful to the World Karate Federation,’’ Rugetwete said.
The secretary of the union of African Karate Federations said the continent’s nations should aim to stage the event and keep the sport alive.
“The tournament is going on well and I urge other African associations and federations to bid to host these tournaments,” said Rugwete.
Africa Karate Federation president, Souleymane Gaye from Senegal, who is also in the country, said the opportunity for Zimbabwe to host the tournament was also an honour to former Sports, Recreations, Arts and Culture Minister, Kirsty Coventry, who was last year elected as the International Olympic Committee president.
Gaye also paid tribute to the World Karate Federation for reposing their confidence in Zimbabwe to stage the event.
“This was a great sign from World Karate Federation that there is inclusivity by bringing the tournament to Africa for the first time.
“We take this an honour to former Zimbabwe Sports Minister (Coventry) who is now heading the IOC,” said Gaye.
Karate Youth League One tournament carries with it points for international rankings for the karatekas.
