The inaugural Zim Ninja Academy National Martial Arts Tournament made a strong debut on Zimbabwe’s sporting calendar after attracting more than 200 competitors and a large crowd at the Harare City Sports Centre on Saturday.
The tournament brought together martial artists from across the country, with competitors from different age groups showcasing their skills in full contact Karate and Kobudo.
Young beginners shared the competition floor with experienced athletes, while competitors aged 18 and above also battled for prize money. Medals were awarded from first to fourth position across the age categories, with trophies presented to the top three performers.
The event was officially graced by Sports and Recreation Commission Director General Allen Mavunga, who was the Guest of Honour and highlighted the role of sport in promoting healthy communities.
Held under the theme, “Building a Drug-Free Generation Through Sport”, the tournament incorporated drug and substance abuse awareness activities alongside the sporting programme.
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“Sport builds discipline. Sport builds health. Sport builds resilience. Sport builds confidence. Sport brings communities together,” Mavunga said.
He also paid tribute to Zim Ninja Academy founder Shihan Wilfred Mashaya for using his sporting achievements to develop other athletes. Mashaya recently won four gold medals at the ICO Scottish Open in Glasgow, Scotland.
Ahead of the tournament, organisers took the anti-drug campaign to Mbare aboard a Proton truck, joined by the Zim Bikers Team, musician Ngwere Diki and Coach Rambo. Members of CID Drugs and Narcotics also addressed the community on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Young Zim Ninja Academy members reinforced the message through poems, songs, and presentations during the tournament.
The event attracted representatives from several sporting disciplines, including Zimbabwe Karate Union president Shihan Tawanda Mufundisi, Judo Association of Zimbabwe president Sensei Moses Mutende and International Taekwondo Academy president Master Evan Brown.
Zim Ninja Academy secretary general Sensei Gift Mupondi described the inaugural tournament as a major success and thanked the Sports and Recreation Commission, Zimbabwe Republic Police, sporting bodies, competitors, spectators and corporate partners for their support.
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