Zambia fell short of badminton medals at the 2023 Zambia International Open. National coach Donald Mabo expressed concern over the lack of exposure affecting the team's performance. The players, though showing potential, struggle against opponents with international experience. Zambian top seed Kalombo Mulenga, disappointed by his early elimination, acknowledged the pressure of playing on home soil. Despite the setback, he said he remains determined and eyes future opportunities to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Eliminated in the men's singles, Kalombo teamed up with his brother Chongo Mulenga in the doubles. They secured a victory against the Mauritius pair, Rayan Rezah and Aidan Turner, with a convincing 2-0 win (21-8, 21-11) in the quarterfinals. However, the Zambian pair faced defeat in the semifinals against Koceila Mammeri and Youcef Medel of Algeria, with a similar set score of 21-8, 21-11. The Algerians go on to become champions, defeating Chok Ken and Andy Yew of Malaysia in the final. The Algerians continued their success in the mixed doubles, defeating Zambian players Kalombo and Elizabeth Chipeleme in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 (15-21, 21-14, 24-22) score. Kalombo and Chipeleme's elimination was mirrored by another Zambian pair, Chongo Mulenga and Anjuman Bhardwaj, who lost 21-6, 21-11 to the Algerian duo Mammeri and Tanina Mammeri in the same stage.