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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe So-kyokushin Karate Do-Organisation yesterday said they have cancelled their participation at the Fifth International So-kyokushin Karate Championships Oyama Cup in Ahvaz, Iran.

They failed to meet the compliance requirements in time for the trip to be cleared by the Sports Commission.

The tournament got underway yesterday with the women’s competition and the men’s event takes place today and tomorrow.

The organisation had hoped to send six fighters, including former world champion Samson Muripo, to the event.

But their failure to meet compliance requirements, in time to get clearance from the Sports Commission through their mother body, the Zimbabwe Karate Union, coupled by lack of funds, saw them cancelling the trip to Iran.

Zimbabwe So-kyokushin Karate Do-Organisation chairman, Stephen Mudawarima, had earlier indicated they were likely to send Muripo only to defend his title after failing to raise funds to send all the six targeted fighters.

“I have been in touch with the ZKU secretary-general and, regrettably, we will not be able to meet the compliance requirements in time for Muripo to get clearance to travel to Iran to defend his title.