HARARE - The sight of the open weight final match between the ultimate winner, Lovemore Nyamutsova and Brian Chiringa, must have encouraged many young fighters at the 2009 Kyokushinkaikan tournament, held here, last Saturday. (Pictured: Lovemore Nyamutsova receives his trophy from
After beating South African Bongani Tsotsetsi in the semi final, Nyamutsova met his match in Chiringa in what was a thrilling clash between spirited fighters who gave the four corner judges a tough time to decide on the winner. All the four corner judges decided on a hike wake (draw) twice, to add two more minutes to the fight before Nyamutsova overpowered his opponent.
Despite the two fighters choosing to concentrate on punches, starving their fight of some of their technical kicks the crowd craved for due to fatigue, they displayed the true spirit of kyokushin. The organiser of the tournament, sensei (teacher) Samson Muripo, was impressed with the development and improvement of full contact karate in Zimbabwe.
The recognition of karate in our country has been a lengthily process. Having reached this point in time, one would without doubt be confident to say a new age has been launched in Zimbabwe karate, said Muripo.
The 32-year-old world middle weight champion acknowledged the support of the sports sponsors as one commendable effort by the co-operate world to oil the machine of Kyokushin karate in the country.
Events like these dont happen out of the efforts of one individual but are put together with hard work and devotion to the sport by many people. Thanks particularly to our sponsors Arosume Property Development, Nakas Cuisine, Ajara Trucking Logistics and Sempai Philip Chisango.
Medalist: Under-25ks S. Mugoni (gold), K. Saungweme (Silver), N. Fenyenye (Bronze). Under 35kgs T. Mushunje (gold), S. Mugove (Silver), K. Mashizha. Under-45kgs T. Matika (gold), L. Mukumba (silver), B. Musuki (bronze). Under-55kgs M. Siyamutanda (gold), S. Karidzamimba (silver), T. Muchimbo (bronze). Under-65kgs A. Muchena (gold), M. Ndlela (silver), M. Muyambo (bronze). Open Weight L. Myamutsova (gold), B. Chiringa (silver), B. Tsotsetsi (bronze).
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News