Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation president Joe Rugwete has described the just-ended World Karate Federation Karate One-Youth League as a successful and historic milestone in the sport.
The event that got underway last Thursday and ended on Saturday at the City Sports Centre, was on the African continent for the first time.
It attracted young karatekas from 35 countries, with the hosts, Zimbabwe fielding 50 participants and they got three silver and eight bronze medals.
“The tournament brought together 201 athletes from 35 countries across the globe and firmly positioned Zimbabwe as an emerging hub for international sport.
“I am immensely proud, not only of the successful hosting of this prestigious event, but also of the outstanding performance by Team Zimbabwe, who secured three silver medals and eight bronze medals against strong global competition,” said Rugwete. Shayne Manyathela, Bradley Kagoro and Elizabeth Maganga delivered silver medals in the boys’ and girls’ Under-14 age group after fighting their way to the kumite and kata finals.
The hosts stood their own to add on to the medal tally, with Charity Moyo picking up bronze in the -52 kg division.
Nicole Sibanda and Shassmeen Yalabi picked bronze medals in the Under-14 girls kata and kumite respectively.
Maita Musavaya weighed in with another bronze when finishing third in the cadet boys’ kumite 70kg, while Tapiwa Dawanyi also added another one from the Under-14 boys +45kg. Makanaka Mulopa claimed bronze in the junior girls kata while Trinity Kotsi also made the top three in the junior boys kumite -68kg. Zvikomborero Moyo boys also picked up bronze in the kumite Under-45kg, Under-14 years section.
“This achievement is a clear indication that Zimbabwean karate is on an upward trajectory. Our athletes demonstrated resilience, discipline, and technical excellence, competing with confidence against some of the best young talent in the world. To see our flag raised on the podium multiple times, on home soil, was a moment of national pride.
“Importantly, this tournament was not just about medals, it was about youth empowerment, international exposure, and nation-building. “Hundreds of young athletes from different cultures came together, exchanged experiences, and built lasting relationships. Locally, our young people were inspired, our officials gained invaluable experience, and our systems were tested at the highest level,” added Rugwete.
“Beyond competition, the event was a resounding success in every respect.
We received overwhelming commendation from the World Karate Federation (WKF), the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK), international technical officials, and participating countries. “Their feedback affirmed Zimbabwe’s capability to host world-class sporting events, both in terms of organisation and hospitality.”
However, the ZNKF president noted while they had a successful event, there is need for support in terms of resources and coordination to host events of such magnitude.
“While we are grateful for the support we received, there is a clear need for increased government participation and structured support in hosting international sporting events.
“Such events are not only about sport, they drive tourism, economic activity, youth development, and glob-al visibility for Zimbabwe.
“We now look forward to building on this momentum, developing our athletes further, strengthening our structures, and bringing even more international events to Zimbabwe,” said Rugwete.
Some of the countries that attended the Germany, Botswana, South Africa, Peru, Netherlands, Italy and England among others.
