BY MAGRETH RUZVIDZO
Japanese Badminton Association has donated 80 rackets to Zimbabwe Badminton Association to help improve the sport in the country.
The handover ceremony was held on Saturday at Standard Chartered Sports Club in Harare.
Japan ambassador to Zimbabwe Satoshi Tanaka said the initiative paved the way for the familiarisation of badminton in Zimbabwe.
“As part of ‘Sport for Tomorrow’, which is an international contribution through sports initiative by Japan, toward the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Japan Badminton Association has decided to provide 80 badminton rackets to the Zimbabwe Badminton Association,” he said.
“I also hope that these badminton rackets will contribute to making badminton more popular in Zimbabwe.”
Tanaka also noted that the move would help in strengthening the relationship between Zimbabwe and Japan as sport plays a pivotal role in State-to-State relations.
“I believe that sport has the power to enable people to understand each other better, and unite people across national borders,” he said.
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“I hope that these badminton rackets and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an opportunity to develop and deepen the friendship between Zimbabwe and Japan.”
Badminton is largely regarded as an elite sport and it attracts limited sponsorship.
Also, there is a general lack of proper infrastructure across the country.
The event also witnessed the launching of air badminton in the country, which is outdoor badminton.
“And today, it befits as we also witness the launch of air badminton, which will create opportunities for people of all ages and ability to play badminton anywhere. Take your rackets and enjoy!” Tanaka said.
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