President Hakainde Hichilema has called upon athletes to build upon their recent successes and uphold Zambia's pride on the international stage. During the official opening of the 13th National Assembly, he expressed the government's satisfaction with the athletes' accomplishments in global competitions. Watching the nation's young talents excel in sports brings happiness and pride to those who love their country, the president remarked. He also reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to provide equitable support to all sports disciplines, recognizing the potential of sports to foster human development, especially among the youth. President Hichilema disclosed that the government has significantly increased its backing for sports development, extending support to more than 5,000 young athletes in various sports. This support encompasses airfare, sports gear, lodging, allowances, and more, facilitating their participation in various tournaments. He emphasized that the government's policy to ensure equal support across all sports disciplines remains unchanged.