The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
THE National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBF), which heaved a huge sigh of relief after Government extended business hours for sport and recreational facilities such as gymnasiums, intends to hold at least one competition before year-end.
NFZBF secretary-general Quiet Shangai said the Harare Classic was the only tournament feasible this year.
“We will be filing our papers this week, seeking permission to host the Harare Classic some time in December,” said Shangai.
“We have done the research and consulted our athletes and December is the earliest we can hold a competition.
“Normally, our athletes need roughly 12-15 weeks to prepare for an event, and given that we have slightly over 16 weeks, it is possible,” he said
Harare is the only province ready or capable of holding an event, with the Harare Classic was the only event yet to cancel.
“Originally slated for June 6, before we postponed it indefinitely, the competition has the added advantage as most of the groundwork had already been done,” said Shangai
“We just hope to file our papers as soon as possible, and get an early favourable response,” he said.
Shangai said despite the continued relaxation of lockdown measures, there was need for more work and consultations for the sport to return to normal.
“Let me start off by saying that this is good news, and we totally understand where the Sports (and Recreation) Commission is coming from,” said Shangai. “They are working under the guidance and instruction of the Government, and this certainly is a first good step in the right direction.
“However, we are still in dire straits as the new operating hours do impact on our operations.
“For one, the 6.30am starting (time) does little to help the working class, as it only affords them roughly 40 minutes, instead of 1 hour 30 minutes which is the average duration of a morning workout for competitive athletes, and that is if they live near their gyms or have convenient transport,” he said.
Shangai went on to explain how the closing time allows for flexibility.
He said going forward, there is need for more consultation with sports like football, cricket and bodybuilding, which are solely dependent on specific training facilities.
It is Shangai’s belief that unlike most disciplines, bodybuilding is arguably one of the most affected sports and things are still far from being normal.
“The effects of the pandemic will likely be felt for years to come, as we risk a drop in numbers,” said Shangai.
“We missed an entire year due to the lockdown and in our sport that is disastrous as history has many cases of athletes taking time off and never recovering.
“We did not manage to do any work on the development front, and that again has ripple effects on our numbers and growth.
“It is against this background that, moving forward, more consultation, dialogue and communication between sporting bodies and authorities is key.”
