Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT promises to be a big year for Zimbabwe National Karate Federation as they prepare for the World Youth Camp and Karate 1 — Youth League tournament from March 25-29.
This is the first time the World Karate Federation Youth Camp and Karate 1 — Youth League tournament will be held in Africa.
And ZNKF president Joe Rugwete said it marks a historic milestone.
“This event marks a historic milestone. For the first time ever, a WKF Youth Camp is being hosted on African soil.
“We are deeply honoured to be the ones to open this exciting chapter in the global karate calendar, and we are ready to share not only the spirit of karate, but also the warmth and culture of our beautiful nation.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for their support in allowing this prestigious event to take place.
“We are also profoundly thankful to the World Karate Federation for trusting us with this opportunity and awarding Zimbabwe the right to host such a high-profile event,” said Rugwete.
The Karate 1 — Youth League is a competition conceived to highlight the impact of karate at young ages.
Established under the umbrella of Karate 1 and designed to complete Karate 1-Premier League and Karate 1-Series A, the Karate 1-Youth League aims to become a platform for the development of youngsters in their quest to progress in the sport.
The competition was devised to respond to the increasing interest of young competitors to have more options to compete at the highest level, and it puts focus on karatekas aged 12 to 17.
The WKF Youth Camp covers technical and tactical training, sportsmanship, mental preparation, and inspirational talks by elite athletes.
It is designed to develop the next generation of champions, and will be led by World and Olympic champions.
Apart from focusing on skill development and mentorship, the camp also focuses on cultural exchange.
Last year in November, ZNKF hosted the Guardian Girls Karate Instructors’ Course, a WKF and UNFPA initiative aimed at equipping female karate instructors with self-defence and empowerment skills to combat gender-based violence.
It attracted participants from Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, DRC, Botswana, Ethiopia and host Zimbabwe.
With the country hosting such events, the national federation is positive it will go a long way in the development and growth of the sport on the local scene.
Meanwhile, ZNKF have launched a new website as they continue with efforts to modernise the administration of the sport and communication with their stakeholders.
Announcing the development, ZNKF said membership applications and payments can now be done online.
“The new website introduces a fully digital membership system, under which all members are now required to register and join ZNKF online via the website.
“This system aligns ZNKF with international best practice and enhances efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for all stakeholders,” announced ZNKF in a statement.
The website will also provide information on various activities and programmes by the national federations.
