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NINJA CLUB . . . Zimbabwean karatekas (from left) Kelly Mtisi, Admire Chingozhoro, Samson Muripo and Shadreck Chigombe pose for a picture at the Harare International Airport soon after their arrival from Japan yesterday

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ALL Japan Karate tournament runner-up Admire Chingozhoro believes there is still room for improvement as he shifts his focus to the World Championships to be held in Japan in October.

Chingozhoro together with Samson Muripo, Kelly Mtisi and Shadreck Chigombe recently took part in the 47th All Japan Karate tournament in Shizuoka.

The 38-year-old came second after losing to Naoya Kusakabe from Japan in the final while Muripo was sixth.

And their outstanding performance saw the two seasoned Zimbabwean karatekas securing sponsorship from the main organiser of the tournament Saiko Shihan Hanshi Daigo Oishi for the October event.

“I feel great and honoured because we were invited soon after the tournament to go for the World Championships in October. So we have to train very hard because I and Sensei Samson Muripo age is catching up with us.

“There will be weight divisions and so far 33 countries have confirmed their participation but I am confident if I train hard I will do well,” said Chingozhoro.

Chingozhoro, who came sixth in the same event last year, said experience came in handy after having been to different international tournaments before.

“The competition was stiff because we had four fighters but other countries had more than 10 fighters. So it was tough for us.

“I think for me and Sensei Muripo experience helped us. The other two guys were competing for the first time but the two of us managed to fight until we got to the finals and I came second.

“It’s a good improvement because there were good fighters and the matches were difficult,” said Chingozhoro.

Muripo urged the corporate world and the Government to support karate as he said they will be hosting their first so-kyokushin international tournament next year.

“This is a great milestone for our country Zimbabwe. The corporate world and the Government have a lot to do with karate because whenever we are called for a mission we come out with results.

“These achievements have brought a great event to our country because in July 2017 we are going to host our first international so-kyokushin karate tournament in Zimbabwe. This is because of what we are doing right now.

“It has added a lot of value in our bid to host the 2017 event,” said Muripo.

The pair of Chigombe and Mtisi, who made their maiden appearance at an international tournament in Japan, said it was a learning curve for them.

“It was tough. It was not what I expected but maybe for the senior guys it was normal to them. But to me it was a bit challenging. However, I understand that it pushes me to more training.

“And I enjoyed the tournament. Now I know what I need to do because there are two more tournaments next month and the other one in Chitungwiza. I am also supposed to go to Japan in October,” said Chigombe.