The fifth edition of the Japanese Ambassador 2022 Judo Tournament delivered a multi-racial Judo carnival to set the tone for the two-day tournament at Hartman House in Harare.
Judokas across the racial divide between the ages of 5 and 11 didn’t exhibit cobwebs that could have crept during the Covid-19 pandemic’s three-year break from competitive Judo.
Young judokas from Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge, mainly composed of immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, got the loudest cheers and cheers each time they won.
Making judo part of the integration process for refugees is one of the initiatives being undertaken by the Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ)
JAZ president Smart Deke was happy to see many kids participating in the tournament as this augurs well for the future of Judo.
“This is the best tournament we have ever hosted, and to think that this is our first one since Covid-19 interrupted everything.
” The future of Judo in the country is bright, as demonstrated by this huge turnout from judokas across the racial divide. You always want to catch them young,” said Deke.
“These are our future Olympians, we want the sport of Judo to grow, and we are glad it’s now part of the physical education in schools”, added Deke.
Judo originated from Japan, and their embassy in Harare has been bankrolling the tournament as part of their cultural exchange program.
Ambassador Satoshi Tanaka, the guest of honour, is happy that the tournament is back on the local Judo calendar.
“This is our first tournament in three years, and to see children taking part in their numbers warms my heart.
“Judo teaches discipline, mental and physical toughness,” said Ambassador Tanaka.
“It was so exciting to see that Judo is still popular amongst Zimbabweans. It was good to see kids fighting so hard,”
” We are looking at spreading the Japanese culture through Judo, and it is our pleasure to sponsor this tournament.
The final day will see judokas from the age of 12 and those from the senior category battle it out for honours, something that excites Ambassador Tanaka.
“Tomorrow, we get to see the big guys, and this should be the most exciting day of the tournament.”
