By Noah Silomba
Zambian athlete Muzala Samukonga who recently minted a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the 400m final race has promised to mint more medals for Zambia.
The athlete who returned home on 17 September 2024 expressed happiness that the nation had organised a thunderous welcome for him.
He paid gratitude to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), OYDC Zambia and Zambia Athletics for the support they provided while he was competing in Paris, France.
He disclosed that together with his fellow athletes they are determined to continue bringing honour to Zambia.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Hon Elvis Nkandu MP in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Elias Mubanga MP announced that the government is working on a package to be announced soon planned for many of these athletes who continue to represent the nation at major events such as the Olympic Games.
The minister expressed joy that Muzala Samukonga returned with a bronze medal Zambia hasn’t minted in 28 years at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president Alfred Foloko says Muzala Samukonga’s bronze medal from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has brought tremendous honour to Zambia.
Foloko says for sports in the country to continue recording good results through athletes like Samukonga more support is needed from the corporate world and other stakeholders.
Zambia Athletics (ZA) president Elias Mpondela says it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and motivation to nurture athletes like Samukonga and others with a passion for the sport.
He thanked coaches for their tireless efforts to ensure that athletes are well-trained.
A welcome reception was hosted for Muzala Samukonga at NASDEC in Lusaka and was attended by several people.
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