Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HOSTS Zimbabwe are now in the home stretch of their preparations to stage the hugely subscribed 2026 edition of the Karate 1 Youth League in Harare, with organisers expressing confidence about the country’s readiness to put on an international show for the archives.
The prestigious tournament, which will run from March 26-29 will bring together young karate athletes, officials and delegations from 35 countries dotted around the world.
They will converge at the City Sports Centre for the youth Karate showpiece.
The organisers told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that preparations have progressed steadily, with regular meetings having been conducted between the Local Organising Committee and the World Karate Federation to ensure that all technical and logistical requirements are being met.
In another major vote of confidence in the event, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume and team officials, earlier this week undertook an assessment tour to have on-site understanding of the state of preparedness and also inspect the final works being undertaken at the City Sports Centre.
An iconic facility that has staged many big international sporting events, the City Sports Centre has been undergoing a facelift as Zimbabwe positions itself to welcome the visiting athletes and officials in a manner befitting an event of global significance.
Another major milestone has been the arrival in the country of the tatamis donated by the WKF, which are now awaiting clearance procedures.
Their arrival has further strengthened confidence in Zimbabwe’s state of readiness and marks an important step in ensuring that the competition is staged under the required international standards.
With the 35 countries providing a strong contingent of 203 athletes and officials, the Zimbabwe National Karate Federation will no doubt deserve a pat on the back for playing a part in promoting sport tourism into the country.
ZNKF president Joe Rugwete, who has been driving the bid for Zimbabwe to stage a memorable event said the LOC and the federation were ready to make the nation proud.
“Zimbabwe is ready to welcome our guests, and we are confident that Harare will deliver a successful and memorable Karate 1-Youth League event,’’ Rugwete said.
“We have worked closely with the Local Organising Committee and the World Karate Federation, and the progress made so far gives us great confidence.
“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwean karate and for our country as a whole,’’ said Rugwete.
The affable Sensei, added that “the event is not only an important sporting occasion but also a valuable opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its hospitality, organisational capacity and commitment to youth development through sport’’.
He also called on the corporate world to partner with the federation and take advantage of the visibility that comes with supporting a major international event.
Meanwhile, Team Zimbabwe have stepped up their own preparations ahead of the competition, with training sessions having been conducted in different parts of the country in recent weeks.
The national team is expected to move into camp by Monday as technical preparations enter their final phase and coaches complete their assessments.
Organisers have confirmed that all official event processes and competition activities will be conducted at the City Sports Centre, making it the central hub of the entire tournament programme.
