By Mthokozisi Dube
The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) staged a boxing tournament on Saturday night in Bulawayo to select athletes for the Region V games penciled for Malawi in December.
It was a night which lived true to its expected billing as boxing enthusiasts were treated to a spectacle during the 26 elite bouts and also juniors boxers from across the lengthy and breadth of the country.
After a record attendance, the ZBF says it will soon be staging more provincial boxing tournaments and once-off national tournaments.
ZBF President Festus Dumbu said, “We came here with the intention of selecting athletes for the Region V games. Little did we know that we were going to witness such a record crowd. It means people follow the sport and we will not disappoint them. We will be organising provincial tournaments.”
ZBF president, Festus Dumbu also went a step further challenging school authorities and the sports and recreation commission to partner them in taking the sport to grassroots level for a firm foundation.
“Our vision is to have the Olympic sport starting in schools. So, we want to be assisted to realise that dream. We want a hand in embracing the sport,” he said.
Palace Hotel owner Tapiwa Gandiwa, who provided the venue, says glory days beckon for the city as they will cement the partnership with the Zimbabwe Boxing Federation, adding that boxing can be used in fighting drug and substance abuse by youths.
“When these guys proposed this, I was a little nervous it was not going to be a big tournament. Today’s attendance has motivated us to keep the partnership for talent identification as well as fight drug and substance abuse by youths.”
Athletes who make the cut from the tournament will represent team Zimbabwe at the Region V games set for Lilongwe Malawi in December following the inclusion of the sport code among a list of disciplines to be competed for.
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