By Adrian Mwanza –

THE Zambia National Service (ZNS) last weekend dominated the Japanese Ambassador’s karate tournament after they outclassed Kalewa in a heated final held at the International School of Lusaka (ISL).
In a best-of-five final with each side staking five karatekas, ZNS proved too good as they closed off the contest after just the third bout, all of which they won.
In the under-65 kilogramme full contact category, Musompola Malumbe of ISL was crowned winner after he defeated Henry Sakala of Imai karate club while Kelvin Chishimba of Jinseng Karate club, scooped the full contact middleweight category title after he beat Arthur Nkandu of Kalewa.
In the women category, Grace Chingangu of ZNS scooped the semi contact category after she defeated Jane Zulu of Green Buffaloes Karate Club.
Henry Sakala was awarded the most spirited fighter award after he came out second in the under 65 kilogramme category.
And speaking at the same event, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Kiyotoshi Koinuma said karate was one way of polishing one’s character by building a sense of high morals and cultivating an attitude of modesty.
“I believe that karate training will pave way for a  robust and prosperous future of Zambia and they will learn more about Japan and develop noteworthy characteristics in the process,” he said.
And Ministry of Sports Permanent Secretary Agnes Musunga commended Japan for sponsoring the tournament and that the cordial relationship between the two countries would help promote and develop sport in Zambia.
“Government recognises the importance of karate not only in the promotion of self-discipline but also in the promotion of good health,” she said.