Rural Boxing Takes Centre Stage as National Tour...

Rural Boxing Takes Centre Stage as National Tournament Kicks Off at Mudhindo

Gilbert Munetsi - Zim Now Writer

Mudhindo in Guruve, Mashonaland Central province, will come alive this weekend as it plays host to a much-anticipated national boxing tournament aimed at unearthing Zimbabwe’s next crop of regional and international contenders.

Organised under the banner of grassroots empowerment and youth development, the tournament is being hosted for the third time this year in the province and has grown in both scale and significance.

This edition, unlike previous ones, has attracted strong backing from notable dignitaries and organisations including the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Christopher Magomo, who is also the tournament’s main sponsor. His involvement, together with support from Mvurwi Town Council, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, and several local businesses, has ensured improved logistics, greater publicity, and increased community participation. Notably, Dr Nyakudya who is the director of Lighthouse of Technology and Mr Matsangaise, a local entrepreneur, have also come in handy.

“The tournament this time is more inclusive and professional,” said the event organiser, Royc Archibald. “Almost all relevant stakeholders including government officials, local school authorities, and community leaders have been invited. The vision is clear—boxing must reach all corners of our province,” he said.

The national competition serves as a crucial platform to identify and groom talented athletes from rural areas for regional and international boxing championships. Over the years, the tournament has produced more than five boxers who have since gone on to represent Zimbabwe at various international events. Four of these have even turned professional.

In line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind,” this weekend’s event is also a tool for social change. The hosting club, RoyGri, is using boxing to promote messages against child marriages and drug abuse, while also encouraging young people to view sport as a viable career path.

Despite its growing success, organising the event has not been without challenges. Funding, as always, remains a hurdle, with organisers often stretching limited resources to accommodate athletes, arrange transport, secure venues, and even source medical support. This year, the team is grappling with access to an ambulance from the district hospital, which only has one vehicle.

Nevertheless, the passion and dedication of the youth continue to fuel the organisers’ commitment. "Letting go or turning back is not an option," said Archibald. “Boxing has become a lifestyle—training is continuous, not just before tournaments. Once we identify talent, we nurture it, and we walk with them through the journey.”

The event has also received overwhelming support from schools such as Mvurwi High, Centenary High, and Nzvimbo High School, which have allowed students to participate and form boxing clubs. Community reception has shifted from scepticism to full embrace, with the sport now being seen as one of discipline, wellness, and potential.

With ambitions to expand the tournament model to every district in Mashonaland Central, the organisers are calling on government, corporate sponsors, and individuals to support the initiative through land for boxing facilities, financial aid for tournaments, and resources to ease athletes’ access to travel documentation.

As the bell rings in Mudhindo this weekend, it will do more than signal the start of a contest—it will echo the dreams of a community determined to box its way out of obscurity and into the national spotlight.