Harare Mayor’s Taekwondo Challenge Cup to spearhead Zimbabwe’s regional medal ambitions
THE Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association believes the country’s newest tournament could become a stepping stone to international success after unveiling the first ever Harare Mayor’s Challenge Cup, which will be staged at the City Sports Centre on August 15 and 16.
Backed by Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume, the inaugural championship is expected to draw competitors from across Southern Africa as Zimbabwe intensifies preparations for the Region Five Games in Mozambique later this year.
Association president Benson Zwizwai said the competition was more than just another tournament, describing it as a key part of Zimbabwe’s long term athlete development programme.
“We want this championship to become part of our preparations for the Region Five Games. Previously we won bronze, silver and gold medals, but our ambition now is to consistently challenge for more gold medals,” Zwizwai said.
He believes exposing local athletes to stronger regional opposition will accelerate their development.
“We are inviting countries from Region Five because competing against international athletes is important for improving our standards. We want Zimbabwean athletes to gain valuable experience before the regional games.”
Zwizwai also revealed plans to use the event to strengthen Zimbabwe’s links with the global Taekwondo community.
He said invitations were expected to be extended to the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador, senior Government officials, the Sports and Recreation Commission and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.
In addition, Zwizwai hopes to bring influential figures from the Africa Taekwondo Union to Harare.
“I am also trying to invite fellow Africa Taekwondo Union Council members, including the technical director for Africa Taekwondo. Their presence would add significant value to this championship.”
Harare City Martial Arts Club chairman Martin Chimombe said hosting the Mayor’s Challenge Cup for the first time represented a major breakthrough for the sport in the capital.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from the City of Harare and Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume. Preparations are on course, registrations are progressing well and we are expecting strong participation from Zimbabwe and the region,” Chimombe said.
