ZIMBABWE badminton doubles star Ashel Dziva is basking in the glory of a successful career in the sport after capturing the Sunrise Open for the third year on the trot in Harare last week.
Dziva and his long-time partner Thabani Mathe have proved indomitable on the local scene and have gone unbeaten in doubles competitions since 2016.
The latest triumph becomes Dziva’s 26th title of his 15-year badminton career which has seen him represent the country on the international stage.
And at Sunrise Open, Dziva and Mathe had to bounce back from a set down to win in three sets, beating the talented pair comprising Trinity Chipumho and Blessing Mahwire.
“I am ecstatic and I am sure so is Thabani. The competition was tough and the third time in a row is just exhilarating,” Dziva told this publication.
“I do not know if we have a secret (for winning), but we play as the team we are and we have great understanding of each other. Each man does his best and we are victorious at the end and I also think that it is a result of the hard work we put in because we train a lot whenever we can.
“Mathe is such a great guy and partner. For me he is the other hand of this team of ours. "On my own I cannot clap neither can he, but together we make a resounding rhythmic and formidable pair.”
Some of Dziva and Mathe’s other trailblazing doubles triumphs include in the Zimbabwe open, Eagle Wings Badminton Tournament, Mashwest Badminton Tournament and Ridgeview Open, among many others.
- Dziva basks in badminton success
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The former Alfred Beit and Ellis Robbins student reflects on his badminton journey as well as his ultimate dream in the sport.
“I started playing badminton way back in the early 2000s and I never stopped. I felt comfortable with the racquet from a very young age and I have grown with it. In terms of my biggest achievement, I think our men’s doubles medal collection is impressive. It is my pride and joy. I endeavour to leave a mark for the younger players to emulate and also to be a force to be reckoned with on the local and international stage. I think I just want to be mentioned even long after I have set my racquet down and that would make me happy,” he said.
It was at Ellis Robbins Boys High School where Dziva picked up the badminton racquet for the first time in his life and the rest as they say, is history. Meanwhile, Chipumho won his first Sunrise Open singles men’s title after beating defending champion Mathe in straight sets while in the ladies singles Avishi Raina retained her women's singles title.
