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The Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ) received a shot in the arm in the form of Judo equipment on 15 February 2023. JAZ received Judo-GI (Judo gear) worth thousands of dollars from the Kodokan Judo Institute of Japan at a hand-over ceremony held at the residency of the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Satoshi Tanaka. Speaking at the colourful handover ceremony, the Guest of Honour, the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Hon. Kirsty Coventry commended the effort of Embassy of Japan to source the sporting equipment, which she said would go a long way in developing the sport in Zimbabwe, and was a sign of strong cordial ties and cooperation between Zimbabwe and Japan.

Judo Association of Zimbabwe President Mr. Smart Deke receives the Judo - GI donation at the residency of the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe His Excellency Satoshi Tanaka. Looking on the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Hon. Kirsty Coventry

The Hon. Minister also applauded the efforts undertaken by JICA to develop sport in the country through the continued dispatching of sports coaches to work with the youth in various sporting disciplines under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme.

JOCV Judo Coach Reiji Masuda and counterpart display some Judo skills to guests. Watching on is the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Hon. Kirst Coventry

The Ambassador, H.E Satoshi Tanaka expressed delight over the JUDO activities in the country and highlighted that he had an opportunity to visit the Kodokan Judo Institute on his visit to Japan and engaged them to support JAZ. The engagement was fruitful as evidenced by the kind donation of the sporting equipment.

The Judo Association of Zimbabwe commended the Ambassador for facilitating the donation, which he said, would be a major boost to the moral of Judo players who in the past were form to share the Judo gear, which by health standards was unhygienic. He added that the sport which was in the minority when it started was witnessing remarkable growth and was now managing to field players to challenge for honours in regional tournaments and was hopeful that they will be able to send players for international tournaments such the Olympics.

Delegates pose for a photo at the handover ceremony

Japan has been supportive of Judo activities in Zimbabwe for years through the Embassy of Japan and JICA. JAZ has since received four volunteer coaches through the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers programme. The latest donation cements the cordial relations the two countries share. Representatives also attended the event from the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Sports and Recreation Commission, yesteryear and current Judo stalwarts, Ministry officials and the media.

JOCVs in Sport pose for a photograph with the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Hon. Kirst Coventry and the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe His Excellency Satoshi Tanaka