900 wrestlers for Harare tourney

OVER 900 wrestlers are expected to converge in Harare Gardens tomorrow for the first of a series of exhibitional Africa tournaments which have been lined up around the city.

The tourneys are meant to provide an open platform for the public to appreciate what the sport is all about.

The competitions also coincide with One Africa’s first anniversary commemorations. The company is the official partner of the Harare Wrestling Association.

HWA chairman Tapiwa Mukombe said they are expecting stiff competition.

“We have lined up a number of tournaments for Harare starting at the Harare Gardens this Friday.

“We intend to attract more talented wrestlers who are roaming the streets and who could be world champions, but are out of the sport due to the misconception associated with the game.

“We would like to show the public, who will enter the venue free of charge, that the sport is very safe and no injuries are incurred as long as the rules are followed.

“The tournaments are also part of the commemorations of the association’s benefactors (One Africa’s) first anniversary.

“As the newly-appointed executive in the province, we are trying by all means to uplift the sport. We will start by Harare Central before moving to other seven districts of the province.

“Our aim is to make the sport bigger and popular just like football and rugby. We are expecting stiff competition from the competitors since there will be a lot of prizes from a number of sponsors who we have engaged,” he said.

Mukombe said tomorrow’s tournament will be graced by a number of wrestling gurus in the country with entertainment being provided by rising dancehall chanter DKT.