"This is the formidable power of sport; it bridges both the international and cultural divide; it has also shown itself to be an important instrument of peace and social cohesion," said Zuma.
He was speaking at the opening of the IKO Matsushima Karate World Cup in Durban. The tournament is being held under three themes namely: self-defence, self-discipline and crime prevention.
"The three themes encapsulate the importance of karate as a sporting code. Like any other sport, karate contributes to health and physical wellness and prevents many lifestyle diseases among people," explained the President.
It also has the ability to take children off the streets, enhance their physical and mental fitness, and provide them with important life and survival skills.
"Sport can also be a very useful way of preventing youth from taking drugs or indulging in other forms of delinquency," he said.
Zuma said the Karate sporting code teaches self-discipline and emotional intelligence, principles which are key when handling the challenging situations that confront them daily.
"I believe that this tournament is also, in a way, a fitting tribute to the late great Shihan Sabela and Branch Chief Khanyisani Mazibuko for all their efforts in bringing the IKO World Cup to South Africa."
Sabela, from Inanda, made an enormous contribution to karate over the years having started training in the early 1970s and becoming one of the best in the sport internationally. He established a number of karate schools in the area.
"It is proper therefore that we remember him on this occasion, as one of our national and international heroes in this sporting code," said Zuma.
The tournament - which is the first Karate World Cup to be hosted on the African continent - is taking place at a time when South Africa is commemorating Tourism Month.
"It gives us a great pride to be able to once more showcase our ability as a country to host major international events," said Zuma.
He added that the tournament had attracted a significant number of people to Durban.
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