Minsk, Minsk – The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, has called for urgent reforms in Zimbabwe’s sports delivery systems following a benchmarking visit to Belarus’ leading high-performance institutions in Minsk.

During the tour, the Minister visited the Republican Center for Olympic Training in Tennis, the City Center for Olympic Training in Tennis, the International Standard Swimming Pool, and the State Institution Health Resort Yunost. The facilities showcased Belarus’ deliberate investment in structured athlete development, technical staffing, and modern competition frameworks.

Hon. Sanyatwe highlighted the importance of intentional infrastructure planning, noting how Belarus has built a globally competitive sporting nation despite its small population. “What we have seen here is a country that made a deliberate decision to institutionalise excellence in sport. Facilities are not operating in isolation. They are part of a national system linked to athlete development, competitions, science and administration,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the need to revive major national competitions such as the Zimbabwe Open Tennis Championship, describing them as the “heartbeat of high-performance sport.” He expressed hope that strengthened bilateral relations with Belarus could pave the way for technical exchanges and joint participation in future tournaments.

At the International Standard Swimming Pool, the delegation observed how structured programming, technical supervision, and consistent maintenance have kept the facility relevant for both elite athletes and the public. The Minister noted similarities with Zimbabwe’s Aquatic Complex, stressing that infrastructure alone is insufficient without proper management systems.

“We have facilities (Zimbabwe’s Aquatic Complex) back home with enormous potential. The issue is not always infrastructure deficit alone, but the structures around management, technical staffing, maintenance culture and programming. Facilities must operate within professional systems that guarantee sustainability and high performance outcomes,” said Hon. Sanyatwe.

The visit also underscored Belarus’ integration of athlete welfare, recovery, and scientific support services into its broader sports ecosystem. Hon. Sanyatwe said Zimbabwe must adopt similar approaches, combining infrastructure with professional systems to ensure sustainability and high-performance outcomes.

He concluded that Zimbabwe has the potential to become a regional sporting hub if it strategically rebuilds its competitive structures, modernises facility management, and leverages international cooperation.

MINSK, BELARUS — Zimbabwe’s sporting future is being reimagined in the laboratories and training halls of Minsk, where science and sport converge with precision. The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Lt. General (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, has embarked on a groundbreaking mission to align Zimbabwe’s athletic development with world-class scientific standards.

At the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Sports, Minister Sanyatwe witnessed a system where athletes are not only trained but scientifically understood. Every heartbeat, muscle fibre, and neurological response is measured and optimized under the guiding principle: “No health – no results.” The Belarusian model demonstrates that sporting success is secured as much in the lab as on the field.

Walking through cutting-edge diagnostic facilities, the Minister observed comprehensive medical screenings spanning cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and even dental science. Technology such as 3D imaging, body composition analysis, and real-time stress monitoring has eliminated guesswork from training. Recovery methods, including cryotherapy and regenerative treatments, ensure athletes return stronger and faster from setbacks.

For Zimbabwe, the implications are profound: fewer injuries, longer careers, and training tailored to individual athletes. Beyond technology, the Belarusian system thrives on an education pipeline producing elite coaches, doctors, physiologists, and analysts. Minister Sanyatwe has already initiated pathways for Zimbabwean professionals to access online learning, residencies, and internships in Minsk.

The visit was headlined by the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belarusian Minister of Sport Sergei Kovalchuk. The agreement opens doors for Zimbabwean athletes to access advanced training facilities, specialized coaching, and international exposure in athletics, football, tennis, and swimming.

The delegation also toured premier institutions including the Belarusian State University of Physical Culture, the Minsk Arena, and the Republican Center for Olympic Training in Rhythmic Gymnastics, gaining insight into Belarus’s integrated approach to sport science and infrastructure excellence.

Minister Sanyatwe has issued a national call to action: Zimbabwe’s medical community, universities, sports administrators, and private investors must unite to establish a centralized Sport Science Hub. This vision demands bold partnerships and decisive investment, positioning sport as a high-performance industry with measurable returns.

As engagements continue in Belarus, one message resonates, Zimbabwe’s era of “training with hope” is giving way to “training with awareness.” The Minsk Mission is not just a visit, it is a turning point in the nation’s sporting story.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was visibly emotional after helping his side secure a place in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 20 years, following a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.

Bukayo Saka’s goal just before half-time sent Arsenal into the Champions League final for the second time in the club’s history, as they overcame Atletico Madrid in a jubilant Emirates Stadium. With the tie finely balanced after last week’s 1-1 draw in Madrid, the Gunners struck the decisive blow on 44 minutes when Leandro Trossard’s effort was parried into Saka’s path, allowing him to finish and set up a thrilling second half.

Rice, who delivered another tireless performance in midfield, admitted he was almost lost for words after the final whistle. Speaking to arsenal.com, he said:

“I can’t describe it to be honest with you. It’s been coming, this night at the Emirates in general, I think it’s the best night at the Emirates that I’ve witnessed, even better than the Real Madrid game last year.”

The England international praised the supporters for creating an unforgettable atmosphere, recalling how the players were greeted with flares and chants as the team bus arrived.

“I’ve not seen the Emirates like that, so a big thank you to the fans because we needed that… Even if you’re tired, it just gives you that energy to keep going, and I think they played a massive part tonight in making us win.”

Rice acknowledged the significance of the achievement for both the club and its fans, highlighting the emotional journey Arsenal supporters have endured over the years.

“This era of Arsenal fans… I’m sure this is really up there for them. So, I’m happy we’ve done it for the club and for this set of players and our manager because everyone deserves it, so, so happy.”

The victory means Arsenal will contest their first Champions League final since 2006, with a chance to lift Europe’s biggest prize for the first time in the club’s history.

Looking ahead to Budapest, Rice added:

“It’s crazy saying that. Bring it on – I’ll be ready. Budapest, I want every Arsenal fan out there. 200,000 of you, come out! Let’s try and do it because we’re going to need all the support, all the energy and let’s make it really special.”

Arsenal now stand on the brink of history, with Rice’s passion and leadership embodying the spirit of a team determined to finally conquer Europe.