THE Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWC) rolled out the red carpet for a second time in a month to welcome home three triumphant Kurash athletes: African champion Jonathan “Mr Mat” Muvingi, Tawananyasha Taruvinga and Seabel Simbi.
The trio returned from the recent nine-country African Kurash Championship in South Africa, where they brought home an impressive five medals for Zimbabwe.
This victory secures Muvingi a spot in the upcoming Kurash World Championship, set to take place later this year.
During a Press conference held at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, ZNBWC board chief executive officer Priscilla Kadungure celebrated the athletes’ achievements.
“This is an official welcome for Mr Mat Muvingi, to honour his participation in the Kurash wrestling championship in South Africa, which earned him a qualification for the World Championship,” Kadungure said.
She also extended a warm welcome to Taruvinga and Simbi, highlighting their participation in the same tournament.
Kadungure expressed particular pride in Simbi, a rising star who is transitioning from amateur to professional ranks.
The ZNBWC board reiterated its commitment to supporting Kurash participants, pledging full backing for the athletes.
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“This is a tremendous opportunity to compete on a global stage. The board supports you in the next step of your incredible journey,” Kadungure stated.
“We are fully behind you as a board, as a sector, and as a government.
“We are incredibly proud that Zimbabwe is being considered for the 2026 African Kurash Championships.”
Other countries that participated in the tournament included South Africa, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Eswatini, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Egypt.
Kurash is a form of wrestling that originated in Uzbekistan, Central Asia.
Competitors, distinguished by blue and green jackets, earn points by making their opponent fall or by grabbing them at the hip or waist.
