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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
THE Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ) has incorporated the Zimbabwe Republic Police as one of its affiliates. The police team took part in the judo national ranking event recently held at Rolf Valley Judo Club in Harare. Over 50 judokas took part at the ranking event. JAZ president, Debbie Jeans said the move to incorporate the police is part of her association’s broad plans to spread the sport to the grassroots.

She said the police already have structures in all parts of the country and they would soon move to partner other uniformed forces to ensure every part of the country is covered.

“JAZ was able to officially welcome the Police Judo Club, which turned out to be enthusiastic, disciplined and in excellent physical form. Their contribution towards a high level event was met with delighted competitors, coaches and technical officials as there were many exciting fights,” said Jeans.

“Our grand plan is to have at least a medal at the 2022 Olympics. We’ve engaged the police so that they include the sport as part of their sporting disciplines. If they pursue judo through their existing structures, the sport will spread to all parts of the country.”

She also hailed the six-month secondment of Japanese judo coach, Tomohiko Kanamori by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), saying his contribution has “dramatically increased motivation, technical skills, fitness and coaching across the board”.

Meanwhile, two judokas have been selected to compete in the African Games set for Brazzaville, Congo in September.

Lazarus Arufandika will compete in the Under-60kg category while Sydney Chibwayi will battle it out in the Under-73kg category.

The travelling contingent will also include national team coach, Smart Tiyazimba and Jeans, who was invited as part of the referees by the African Judo Union.