Tanzania set to host inaugural power slap competition

Dar es Salaam. For the first time, Tanzania is set to host a Power Slap competition, an event that promises to introduce a unique and thrilling sport to the country at Masaki’s Pulse Gymnasium in Dar es Salaam.

The event has been scheduled to be held on Saturday according to the founder and director of Fight for Change Karim Bhaloo.

Bhaloo said that they have been endorsed by the National Sports Council (NSC) to stage the event and preparations are going on.

“Power slap is a combat sport where two opponents take turns slapping each other with an open hand. The aim is to deliver a powerful but controlled slap to the opponent's cheek while adhering to the sport's rules.

Matches are judged on the effectiveness of the slap, the reaction of the recipient, and adherence to technical guidelines,” said Bhaloo, who is also an accomplished boxer. Bhaloo also said that apart from entertainment, the event also aims at supporting the community.

Fight for Change focuses on assisting vulnerable groups, including orphans and individuals in recovering from drug addiction, through the power of sports.

“We want Tanzania to be part of innovative sports, and this is one way to introduce activities that are not yet familiar. This will be the first competition, but we don’t want it to be the last,” he said.

Bhaloo also revealed that Fight for Change is committed to ensuring Power Slap gains traction in Tanzania by establishing clubs across the country.

He said by creating a strong foundation for the sport it will make more accessible and help the community recognize it as a legitimate and competitive activity.

“After this event, we will work tirelessly to establish Power Slap clubs nationwide to develop the sport and make it as accepted as other mainstream sports,” he said.

The upcoming event, set to take place in Dar es Salaam, will also feature other sports, including boxing matches, to create a night filled with excitement and variety for attendees. “

The inclusion of Power Slap as the centrepiece of the event is expected to draw significant attention, marking a bold step in introducing this emerging sport to the Tanzanian audience,” he said.

For his part, the founder of Pulse Gymnasium, Jabir Jaffer, sees the introduction of Power Slap as a refreshing addition to Tanzania’s sports landscape.

“This is a unique and entertaining sport. It’s a great opportunity for Tanzanians to experience something new and exciting,” he said.

He believes the sport will capture the attention of sports fans and inspire curiosity among those looking for unconventional forms of entertainment.

On top of that, the Public Relations Manager for Fight for Change, Daniel Kijo expressed the organization’s long-term vision for Power Slap.

He said the event aligns with their mission of making Tanzania a top destination for innovative sports and talent development.

“Sports are a powerful tool for community development. Through Power Slap, we aim to inspire a new wave of enthusiasm and encourage young people to participate in sports,” said Kijo.