Zimbabwe has received an invitation from Russia to participate in the BRICS Games, a multi-sport event that brings together the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The invitation was extended by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Chernyshenko, when he met with Zimbabwe’s Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday.
The BRICS Games are held annually by the country that chairs the BRICS group that year. The games feature 30 sporting codes and 60 countries, including some invited guests from other regions.
Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister, Kirsty Coventry, confirmed the invitation and said it was a sign of the country’s growing recognition and respect in the international sports arena.
“This is a great opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase our talent and potential on a global stage. We are grateful to Russia for the invitation and we look forward to competing with the best in the world,” she said.
Coventry added that the BRICS Games would also help Zimbabwe to prepare for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where the country hopes to improve its medal tally.
Zimbabwe has also been invited to the 2024 World Friendship Games in September, in Russia, which is another multi-sport event that promotes peace and cooperation among nations.
The BRICS Games invitation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is enjoying a resurgence in sports, with several athletes and teams making headlines for their achievements.
Some of the notable successes include the Chevrons cricket team, which beat India by six wickets in the third and final T20I to clinch the series 2-1 on Sunday, and the Gems netball team, which qualified for the 2023 World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
Zimbabwe is also set to host the COSAFA Cup, a regional soccer tournament, in July, which will be a test of the country’s readiness to host bigger events in the future.
Coventry said the government was committed to supporting and developing sports in the country, as part of the national vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
“We believe that sports is not only a source of entertainment and recreation, but also a key driver of social and economic development. Sports can create jobs, boost tourism, foster unity and inspire the nation,” she said.
The Sports Minister also urged the corporate sector and other stakeholders to partner with the government in investing in sports infrastructure, equipment, training and incentives for the athletes.
She said Zimbabwe had a lot of potential and talent that needed to be nurtured and exposed to the world.
“We have a lot of young and talented athletes who are eager to represent their country and make us proud. We have a bright future in sports and we are ready to take on the world,” she said.
 Source: The Herald
