36TH JAPANESE AMBASSADOR’S JUDO CUP OFFICIALLY OPENED AT OYDC ZAMBIA

The 36th Edition of the Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Cup has officially been opened at the OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre, with the Centre’s Judo Hall providing the stage for two days of intense competition as young and senior judokas battle for honours.

The prestigious tournament, organised by the Judo Association of Zambia (JAZ) with support from the Embassy of Japan, brings together athletes, coaches, technical officials, administrators, partners and stakeholders to celebrate the development of judo and the longstanding friendship between Zambia and Japan.

Representing OYDC Zambia Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Benjamin Tembo at the official opening ceremony was Ms Mwange Kampamba, who joined other distinguished guests in welcoming athletes and participants to the Centre.

Speaking during the ceremony, Guest of Honour Mr Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, represented by Sports Director Mr Gibson Muyaule, reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sport to contribute to youth development, national unity, health promotion and employment.

Mr Muyaule described the Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Cup as an important event on Zambia’s sporting calendar and commended the partnership between the Embassy of Japan and the Judo Association of Zambia for contributing to the growth and development of judo in the country.

He further highlighted the 2024 National Sports Policy, which promotes broad participation in sport and physical activities regardless of age, gender, ability, social status or geographical location. Events such as the Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Cup provide an important platform for participation, talent identification and athlete development.

Also speaking at the ceremony, His Excellency Mr Mikami Akiteru, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, described the 36th edition of the tournament as a significant achievement and commended the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and all those who contributed to making the competition possible.

The Ambassador encouraged the participating judokas to listen to their coaches, respect their opponents and, most importantly, enjoy the experience of competing.

Judo Association of Zambia General Secretary Mr Mabvuto Ng’uni welcomed all participants and guests to the 36th edition of the competition, describing the tournament as more than just a sporting event but a celebration of the strong and enduring friendship between Zambia and Japan through the shared values of judo.

He noted that over its 36 editions, the tournament has provided a platform for judokas to compete, learn and develop, while contributing to the identification and nurturing of young talent and the continued growth of judo in Zambia.

The Judo Association of Zambia also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Japan for its continued support towards judo in Zambia and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for its support, including assistance towards the shipment of competition mats from China.

The official opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr Mikami Akiteru, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia; Ms Hellen Mebrahtu, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative; Ms Besa Chibwe, Deputy Commissioner for Refugees; Mr Moses Mutende, President of the Judo Association of Zimbabwe; Mr Sombwa Sombwa Knox Musunsa, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council, represented by Ms Lombe Monica; Mr Mabvuto Ng’uni, General Secretary of the Judo Association of Zambia; and Ms Mwange Kampamba, representing OYDC Zambia Acting CEO Mr Benjamin Tembo, among other distinguished guests and stakeholders.

OYDC Zambia is proud to host the 36th Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Cup at its Judo Hall, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to providing quality sporting facilities and creating opportunities for athletes to train, compete and develop their talents.

The two-day competition commenced today, 29 August, with Pre-Cadets and Cadets taking to the tatami, while the Seniors will compete tomorrow, 30 August, as the tournament concludes.

OYDC Zambia wishes all participating judokas the very best as they compete with respect, discipline, courage and