The Sunday Mail
Nokutenda Chiyangwa
THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) has cast a huge cloud of doubt over the chances of the country’s sports teams making it to the 2020 Olympics slated for Tokyo, Japan.
Olympic qualification – which is an ongoing process – is expected to stretch up to June 2020.
Only the rowing team has managed to earn a slot in the Men’s Single Scull category.
ZOC chief executive officer Anna Mguni believes that although there is still plenty of athletes vying for slots at the games, the competition is stiff and the chances for qualification are slim.
“Olympic participation is very strict in terms of numbers and qualification criteria, it is based on attaining stipulated standards,” said Mguni.
“Athletes are still pursuing qualification in disciplines like swimming, athletics and golf. The estimated team size for the games is between five and 12.
“It is difficult to finalize or provide an estimate of numbers before the qualification period is over. However, accreditation will cover a long list of potential athletes.
“The chances of team sport qualification are very slim. The rugby sevens team will attend a very difficult repechage event in June 2020, where only one place will be availed to 12 contesting teams drawn from six continental bodies. These are Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America,” she said.
Despite this predicament, Mguni expressed appreciation for the support they are getting from sponsors.
She also hinted at future fundraising activities as Tokyo draws closer.
“The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee embarked on a Tokyo 2020 fundraising drive in 2019,” she said.
“To date, the response has been modest, with ZOC receiving funding from some organisations within the corporate sector.
“ZOC continues to pursue the funding opportunities. Sport is an integral part of the nation’s development.
“Several fundraising activities are in the pipeline as we draw closer to Tokyo 2020,” she said.
