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In a historic achievement at the Dakar Championships in Senegal, boxer Patrick Chinyemba has not only claimed a gold medal but also secured a place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Recognising his remarkable feat, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts has awarded Chinyemba with a well-deserved $5,000. This victory marks a significant moment in Zambian sports and underscores the dedication and determination of athletes like Chinyemba to elevate their nation on the global stage. At a recent press briefing, the Vice President of the Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF), Mashekwa Nalumango, emphasised the need for enhanced sporting infrastructure and more opportunities for Zambian athletes to compete internationally. Nalumango's call for improved resources aims to bolster the performance of Zambian athletes on the global sports scene. Female boxer Hilda Ng'andwe echoed similar sentiments, citing inadequate preparation time as a factor affecting athletes' performances in various competitions, including the Dakar Championship. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts, Elvis Nkhandu, welcomed the victorious team of boxers from Senegal during the press briefing. He also announced the handover of office space at Heroes Stadium to ZBF, aiming to provide easier access to sporting infrastructure and enhance the country's sporting discipline. Nkhandu commended Chinyemba's exceptional achievement, highlighting that it reflects Zambia's status as a formidable sporting nation. He also expressed his intention to extend the gesture of support and motivation provided to runner Muzala Samukonga to Chinyemba. Additionally, Nkhandu urged cooperating partners and Members of Parliament to invest in upgrading sporting infrastructure across constituencies, utilizing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He acknowledged the government's commitment to fulfilling its pledges to support athletes and enhance the nation's sports sector. Despite the challenges faced, including injuries and limited preparation time, Zambian athletes like Felistus Nkhandu continue to demonstrate remarkable determination and resilience in their pursuit of sporting excellence. The financial reward presented to Chinyemba serves as an encouraging incentive for Zambian athletes to strive for more gold medals and achieve even greater success on the international stage.
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