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Takudzwa Chitsiga and Carol Magenga
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Andrew Langa believes Zimbabwe now has the capacity to host bigger darts events such as the African and the World Championships.
Speaking at the official opening of the 27th edition of the bi-annual Zone VI darts championships at the Reserve Bank’s Sports Club yesterday, Langa called for the sport to spread throughout the country’s 10 provinces.

Zone VI darts president Raymond O’malley of Namibia also attended the ceremony where Langa spoke of sport’s capacity to unite people.
“Sport brings together people from different backgrounds because of its appeal and we are gathered here to witness another momentous occasion.

“Darts as a sport is viewed as a minority sport but I see it as one which does not require intensive capital outlay. It is for that reason that I should encourage you to ensure darts are played in all provinces.

“By hosting this event we have increased the flow of tourism traffic into the country. The event gives us an opportunity to access our coaches, players and administration in terms of performances. I encourage other national sports associations to take a leaf from NDAZ by organizing similar tours,” Langa said.

The event, which begins in the capital this morning, has drawn several participants from the SADC region.
Tomorrow there will be closed pairs for all the categories up to the semi-final stage.

NDAZ president Mernard Moyo said they are happy to be hosting this year’s edition of the Zone VI event.
“We are very delighted to be hosting this year’s edition of the Zone VI darts tournament which I believe will live up to expectations.

“We hope if we can have more support the sport will improve in a big way as people have the wrong impression about the sport. I believe the co-operate world will come on board and support us in feature so that we can develop as a sport,” Moyo said.

Zimbabwe are the defending champions after they won the event in South Africa in 2012 and are looking forward to retaining the title as they have managed to put together some strong teams.

The teams were selected during the Easter Darts tournament held at Mutare Teachers’ College in Manicaland.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Jindokai World Karate Seminar is scheduled to begin today at Prince Edward School with 50 participants from different countries expected to take part, writes Ellina Mhlanga.

The seminar will be conducted by renowned karate masters from different parts of the world including Sensei Ron Nix, a ninth dan from Okinawa, Japan.
He will be joined by Stephen Chan (ninth dan instructor),  Brian Rogers (eighth dan from England), Katherine Loukopoulos (eighth Dan from Greece), Kenneth Davis (seventh dan from Scotland),  seventh dan Jason Fitzpatrick from the UK and Andy Roosen a fifth dan instructor based in the Solomon Islands.

The seminar is expected to end on September 6 and is open to Jindokai karatekas only.