HARARE, Zimbabwe (Elevation News), Zimbabwe’s Martial Arts Kobudo Team has returned home in triumph after winning an astonishing 43 medals at the International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Championships held in Swansea, Wales.
The team of eight young martial artists, aged between eight and sixteen, competed under the Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU) and was led by multi-award-winning martial artist Shihan Wilfred Mashaya. Their medal haul included 14 gold, 18 silver, and 11 bronze, marking one of the best performances ever by a Zimbabwean martial arts delegation at an international tournament.
“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwe,” said Shihan Mashaya on arrival in Harare. “The kids worked hard, showed great discipline, and gave their best. I’m so proud of what they achieved.”
The young athletes represented the Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo/Weapons Team in categories including Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, and Freestyle Weapons. They had trained for months at Mkushi Training Academy and Aquaview Resort near Lake Chivero, with facilities provided by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) through the support of Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba.
Mashaya explained that training young people in martial arts goes beyond sport. “This programme is part of our fight against drug and substance abuse among youth. Martial arts instil discipline, focus, and resilience, values that can change young lives,” he said. “As the saying goes, it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
The team’s performance in Wales reflected that philosophy. Despite facing tough competition from countries such as the United States, England, and Brazil, Zimbabwe’s youngsters delivered a spirited showing that earned them global respect and admiration.
In the girls’ division, Thandeka Moyo won three gold medals in team traditional weapon, team creative weapon, and individual traditional weapon, along with three silver medals in team freestyle, individual freestyle, and individual creative weapon. Anotida Hove took home three golds and one silver, while Dean Gwatah and Anenyasha Hove contributed additional silvers and bronzes, showcasing Zimbabwe’s balance of talent across all categories.
Among the boys, Takudzwa Chizema emerged as one of the stars, winning three golds and three silvers. Wilfred Mashaya Jr, Arnold Mudzengerere, and Brian Mupindu Jr also produced remarkable performances, combining for several gold, silver, and bronze finishes that lifted the team’s overall tally.
Shihan Wilfred Mashaya himself added to the glory, being crowned Kobudo World Champion after winning two golds and two silvers in the senior black-belt division.
He credited the team’s success to teamwork, dedication, and community support. “The children fought with heart and carried the Zimbabwean flag high. This win proves that our country has world-class talent,” he said. “It was not easy managing eight kids on my own, but I am grateful for the support we received from Zimbabweans living in the UK.”
Mashaya singled out Delight Samanyanga and her son Munyaradzi Chiwara, who welcomed the team at the airport and assisted throughout the event. “Their help meant so much, especially for the young girls who needed extra care. We also appreciate the other Zimbabweans who came to cheer us on in Wales,” he added.
The tournament drew participants from more than twenty countries, including Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, the USA, Portugal, Romania, France, Germany, South Africa, and Nepal, among others.
The Zimbabwean delegation has returned home to a hero’s welcome, with celebrations planned across the country to honour their remarkable achievement. For Shihan Wilfred Mashaya and his young warriors, the victory represents far more than sporting success, it is a symbol of hope, discipline, and national pride, and a testament to what determination and unity can achieve for Zimbabwe.
Speaking to Elevation News, Mashaya said, “This success belongs to every Zimbabwean; these kids have shown that with commitment and support, we can conquer the world.”
