By Yvonne Sakala –
KARATEKAS from all parts of the country will today converge at the Zambia Institute of Charted Accountancy Studies in Lusaka to compete in the first ever Kyokushin Karate Association of Zambia (KKAZ) organised National Heroes Championship.
More than 16 clubs has confirmed participation in a day long tournament and is expected to be graced by Sports Minister Moses Mawere.
(KKAZ) Tournament Director Munyaradzi Mangaba said in an interview yesterday that the federation was impressed with the number of karatekas who have shown interest in the tournament aimed at honoring karatekas who have contributed immensely to the sport.
Mangaba said gone were the days where sportsmen and women were only recognised or honored after dying.
He said deserving sportspersons should be appreciated when they were still alive, adding that at the tournament, karatekas, both alive and late, will be honoured.
“We are ready for the championship tomorrow (today), all is in place for the event and all the invited guests have confirmed their availability
“This is the first time we are holding such a tournament and it has received massive response from the clubs, we look forward to honoring our heroes who have contributed to the existing of karate in Zambia,” Mangaba said.
He named the club’s that have confirmed participation in the event as Mufulira, Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Ndola from the Copperbelt.
The rest are Green Buffaloes, Zambia National Service , YMCA, Sikanze, International School of Lusaka, OYDC, Chilenje, Africa Direction, Showgrounds and  Bank of Zambia among others.
He said winners from a day long competition will walk away with trophies and medals for their efforts.