PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES BOUND BOXER PATRICK CHINYEMBA SCOOPS 2023 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

By Noah Silomba

Celebrated Zambian boxer Patrick Baddo Chinyemba who was the first athlete to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Tuesday night scooped the “Sportsman of the Year” award during the 2023 National Sports Awards held in Lusaka.

In his acceptance speech for the award Chinyemba who recently bagged gold at the 2023 African Games in Accra Ghana, paid gratitude to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia ( NOCZ ), Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF), and Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for the immense support they have showed him till the day he qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

He says when in Paris, France the country should expect nothing but a gold medal as this is his mission as the date for the games draws closer.

Meanwhile, Chinyemba’s federation Zambia Boxing scooped the award of “Federation of the Year.

The 2023 National Sports Awards were graced by Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu MP who reiterated the government’s commitment to reward all deserving athletes who continue to bring glory and honour to the nation.

Others who walked away with awards include; Netball Zambia president Martha Lungu Sichone as sports administrator of the year, Netball player Beauty Nakazwe as Sportswoman of the year, Special Olympics Zambia Differently Abled Sportswoman of the year Veldah Siamato, Minister’s award won by retired track and field athlete Samuel Matete while late veteran football commentator Dennis Liwewe was posthumously honoured with the president’s award.

Several, athletes, sports administrators, and others attended the glamourous event which was characterized by several activities among them cultural dance, and musical showpieces.

OYDC Zambia