President Hichilema Welcomes Back Zambia’s Olympic Team, Calls for Renewed Focus on Sports Development
As the Paris Olympic Games concluded with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, President Hakainde Hichilema extended a warm welcome to the Zambia National Olympic Team, congratulating them on their participation in the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
In a special message, President Hichilema celebrated the achievements of Muzala Samukonga, who secured a bronze medal in the 400 meters race. The President praised Samukonga for embodying the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger), and recognized the efforts of his 4 × 400m relay teammates, who also reached the finals.
“To Muzala Samukonga, our hero, we extend our heartfelt congratulations for your outstanding performance. To the rest of our team members, including the women’s National Soccer Team, your participation itself is an incredible achievement. You have made Zambia proud by becoming Olympians,” President Hichilema stated.
The President acknowledged the importance of the Olympic experience in building resilience and perseverance—qualities he deeply values. He emphasized the significance of teamwork and the determination to never give up, drawing parallels between these attributes and his own journey as a leader.
Reflecting on Zambia’s sports culture, President Hichilema recalled the historic achievements of Yotam Muleya, who in 1958 broke the color barrier by defeating British Track and Field world champion Gordon Pirie.
He urged the nation to continue discovering and nurturing talent, stating that Zambia has immense potential in various sports disciplines.
“With the introduction of free education, we now have the opportunity to identify and develop talent from a young age. Beyond track and field, we have natural potential in water sports, cycling, and field sports. Zambia was once an African powerhouse in Squash, Badminton, and Table Tennis, and it’s time to reclaim that legacy,” President Hichilema said.
The President also called for greater organization within Zambia’s sports bodies, urging them to avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on their mission to develop sports in the country.
He emphasized the importance of corporate investment in sports as part of corporate responsibility, highlighting how sports can unite the nation, build character, and empower the youth.
“As our economy grows, we call upon corporations to invest in sports. Sports have the power to unite people, build national character, and empower our youth. Let’s invest in it,” President Hichilema concluded.
