Forty-nine students graduated with internationally recognised black belts under the World Taekwondo Federation at a colourful ceremony held at Epworth Local Board on Saturday.
The event was attended by Vice President of the World Taekwondo Federation, Tommy Sithole, and President of the Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association, Benson Zwizwai, among other officials, instructors, parents, and community members.
Addressing the graduates, Sithole commended the students for their discipline, commitment, and passion for the sport, while also highlighting the persistent challenge of inadequate funding for sports development in Zimbabwe.
“We have seen immense talent among these students, who clearly love their sport and put in the effort,” Sithole said. “However, there is a need to support parents who are struggling to fund their children’s participation. Due to limited resources, some instructors are now using their own money to assist students instead of receiving adequate support from associations.”
He added that the high number of graduates was a clear indication of the untapped potential within Zimbabwe’s sporting community if proper investment is made.
Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association president Benson Zwizwai congratulated the graduates, describing the achievement as more than just a certificate.
“This is a major milestone in taekwondo. With a black belt, you are now eligible to compete at the world championship level,” Zwizwai said. “For an athlete to participate in the World Taekwondo Championships, they must hold at least a first dan black belt. Without it, participation is not permitted.”
Zwizwai noted that the graduation marked significant growth for the sport locally. He revealed that Zimbabwe previously had only seven taekwondo masters nationwide, but the latest ceremony added seven more masters following the graduation of fourth dan candidates.
Of the 49 graduates, 38 attained first-dan black belts, four achieved second dan, and seven were awarded fourth dan, officially qualifying them as taekwondo masters.
“For one to be recognised as a master, they must have qualified for the fourth dan. I would like to congratulate all those who achieved this level today,” Zwizwai said.
Epworth Taekwondo Club master Kashiri, who also recently graduated as a fourth dan, expressed gratitude to the Epworth Local Board for hosting the ceremony. He encouraged students to remain disciplined and committed to excellence.
“Let us continue to work hard and raise the Zimbabwean flag high on the global stage,” Master Kashiri said.
The graduation ceremony was hailed as a major boost for the growth of taekwondo in Zimbabwe and a testament to the country’s rising talent in martial arts.
