By Noah Silomba

India’s former professional tennis player Somdev Devvarman who is a four-time Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medallist has observed that Zambia has the potential to produce epic athletes if facilities like the OYDC Zambia are well utilised.

Devvarman who competed with top tennis stars like Rodger Federer, Andy Murray, and Rafal Nadal among others disclosed after touring the OYDC Zambia facilities on 10 November 2022 that several youths accessing the sports facility should be nurtured well adding that they stand a good chance of becoming future stars by competing at major games.

He added that there are few countries which have facilities like the OYDC Zambia which allow youths to have access to and develop their sporting skills knowing that sport makes the majority of youths in any country have that positive mindset.
Devvarman who played in the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, Olympic Games, Grand Slam and others said it was inspiring to visit the OYDC Zambia where he found youths competing in several sports disciplines.

Meanwhile, Strength and Conditioning specialist Milos Galecic who was with Devvarman says the energy around OYDC Zambia facilities is inspiring stating that coaches and athletes should always remember the role they play in making their country proud when competing for supremacy. He expressed hope that several youths using OYDC Zambia will be able to excel in their sports career should they remain committed and devoted to training.

Earlier in the day the trio met with the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) executive led by president Alfred Foloko, NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi, NOCZ Board Member Dickson Jere and they were joined by OYDC Zambia Chief Executive Officer Dr Fredrick Chitangala and Zambia Tennis Association president Gibson Phiri.

Foloko disclosed that his executive members were happy to meet with a former professional tennis icon whose accolades remain inspirational to many players across the globe.

He added that the NOCZ through the OYDC Zambia and different sports federations remain committed to seeing several young sportsmen and women be nurtured so that they can continue taking part in Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Source: OYDC Zambia