A team of eight young Zimbabwean martial artists, led by Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, brought home an impressive 43 medals from the International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Championships held in Swansea, Wales.

Competing against top athletes from around the world, including the United States, the team won 14 gold, 18 silver, and 11 bronze medals in events such as Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, and Freestyle Weapons.

Mashaya, who was also crowned Kobudo World Champion, praised his team’s dedication and discipline.

“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwe. The kids worked hard, showed great discipline, and gave their best,” he said.

The young athletes, four boys and four girls, trained for months under Mashaya at Mkushi Training Academy and Aquaview Resort (Lake Chivero), with support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba.

In the girls’ division, Anotida Hove won three gold medals in team traditional weapon, individual creative weapon, and team creative weapon, plus a silver in team freestyle. Thandeka Moyo claimed three golds in team traditional, team creative, and individual traditional weapon, along with three silvers in freestyle and creative categories. Dean Gwatah earned one silver in individual freestyle weapon and three bronzes across team events, while Anenyasha Hove secured four bronze medals in both team and individual creative categories.

In the boys’ division, Takudzwa Chizema dominated with three golds and three silvers, Arnold Mudzengerere took one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes, Wilfred Mashaya Jr. won one gold and three silvers, and Brian Mupindu Jr. rounded off the haul with one gold, three silvers, and two bronzes — a collective effort that underscored Zimbabwe’s growing martial arts excellence on the global stage.

Their victory, in what was their first international appearance, is not only a sporting triumph but also a testament to the power of martial arts in promoting discipline and steering youth away from drugs and substance abuse.

Mashaya and his team received a warm welcome back home on October 22, 2025, their success marking a proud moment for Zimbabwean sport and youth development.