OLYMPICS BODY HAILS STATE

By MICHAEL MIYOBA NATIONAL Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi has hailed Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development for providing a conducive environment for the development of sport and supporting the sustainable development goals on gender participation in the country. Speaking during a send-off ceremony for the Olympic-bound Zambian team hosted by the Japanese embassy in Lusaka yesterday Kambikambi said NOCZ is proud because the delegation travelling for the summer Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is amongst the largest Zambia has ever sent out of qualified athletes since the 1988 Olympics. “I must say there that we are proud of the positive government leadership which has ensured that these Zambian athletes have the opportunity to fly our Eagle at the Tokyo 2020 Games between July 23 and August 8, 2021,” Kambikambi said Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Mizuuchi Ryuta wished the Zambia contingent all the best as they prepare for the Olympic Games. Ryuta stated that Japan is still hopeful of hosting the Olympic Games amidst concerns to cancel the games because of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Japanese government is making every effort from all fronts to make the Olympic Games possible and is committed to ensuring that Zambian athletes get the required support before, during, and after the Games,” Ryuta said. And Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development Permanent Secretary John Phiri said it is gratifying that despite the challenges faced by the Country, Zambia managed to qualify athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He said Government is looking forward to memorable games where Zambian athletes will compete with the best in the world. Meanwhile, Zambia national women’s football team captain Barbra Banda has promised that the team will work hard to deliver according to people’s expectations. Zambia will be represented by the Copper Queens, three boxers, two swimmers, two runners and a judoka. The Zambian athletes are expected to set up training camp in Asahi City to acclimatise before the Olympics start.