A HISTORIC MOMENT AS THE KING’S BATON RELAY IS RECEIVED BY ZAMBIA’S VICE PRESIDENT DR W.K. MUTALE NALUMANGO
- Elizabeth Muchoma
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
The Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia has made history as Republican Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango received the first King’s Baton Relay under the reign of King Charles III on Wednesday, 27 August, at the Cabinet Office on behalf of the Republican President Hakainde Hichilema.
Nalumango said the King’s Baton Relay goes beyond being a ceremonial object, as it embodies hope and unity across the Commonwealth family, connecting Zambia to every nation. She emphasized that it reminds us of our shared values of solidarity, goodwill, and respect.
The Vice President further encouraged athletes to give their best as they represent Zambia at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026.
She further extended her appreciation to the organizing committees, partners, and every citizen who has supported the journey of the King’s Baton Relay.
The King’s Baton Relay was presented to the vice president by the Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon. Elvis Nkandu MP, who received the baton from Alfred Foloko, the president of the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia.
Nkandu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young Zambians to participate in and excel through sport.
He noted that, beyond competition, sport serves as an instrument for nation-building, youth empowerment, and social transformation.
He described the Baton’s arrival as a proud moment that connects Zambia to the wider Commonwealth family ahead of the upcoming Games.
Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia President Alfred Foloko called the occasion historic, marking the first time Zambia has received the Baton under King Charles III, accepted by Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango.
Foloko said this makes this year’s King’s Baton Relay a symbol of renewal, continuity, and unity within the Commonwealth family.
He further noted that for Zambia, the Baton’s presence is an opportunity to reflect on who we are as a people.
He stressed that the Baton is more than an object passed from one nation to another; it represents the values that bind us together: unity, friendship, and shared purpose among the 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
And British High Commissioner to Zambia H.E Rebecca Terzeon highlighted the significance of the King’s Baton Relay to Zambia, noting that it symbolizes unity, peace, and the shared values of the Commonwealth family.
She emphasized that the Baton not only carries a message from His Majesty King Charles III but also serves as a reminder of the power of sport to inspire and connect people across nations and generations.
The King’s Baton Relay was painted and decorated by Samuel Mwambazi, a local artist from Lusaka, Zambia.
The Baton began its journey on Commonwealth Day, 10th March 2025, at Buckingham Palace, where His Majesty King Charles III placed a personal message inside. The baton is making its journey across the Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from 23rd July to 2nd August 2026.
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