ANOCA President Congratulates Team Zambia on Dakar 2026 Bronze Medal, Urges Focus on LA28 and Brisbane 2032
The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, Mustapha Berraf, has congratulated Team Zambia on winning a bronze medal in judo at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, while encouraging the country to begin looking ahead to future major sporting events, particularly the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) and Brisbane 2032.
Berraf made the remarks during a visit to the Athletes’ Village in Dakar, where he and his delegation interacted with several athletes and members of Team Zambia.
He said the skills and talent demonstrated by Zambian athletes at Dakar 2026 showed great potential, adding that, with proper nurturing and sustained investment, the young athletes could develop into competitors capable of representing the country at future Olympic Games.
Berraf also encouraged the Zambian delegation not to be disappointed by the number of medals won, stressing that participation, experience and continued development were equally important. He expressed confidence that African nations had the potential to win more medals at future international competitions and represent the continent with distinction.
Team Zambia Chef de Mission, Besa Chibwe, described the visit as encouraging, saying it was gratifying to have the ANOCA President and his delegation engage with the athletes at the Games Village and recognise Zambia’s achievement at Dakar 2026.
Chibwe said ANOCA’s continued commitment to supporting African athletes was inspiring and deserved recognition, adding that such encouragement gives young athletes confidence as they pursue their sporting ambitions.
Meanwhile, National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Alfred Foloko, who also serves as ANOCA Vice President, said he was impressed with the environment provided for athletes throughout the Games.
Foloko thanked the Government and people of Senegal, together with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), for their efforts in successfully hosting the first Youth Olympic Games on African soil.
He further described Berraf’s congratulatory message following Zambia’s judo bronze medal as a positive gesture, which he said should be embraced by Zambians back home as the country celebrates the achievement.
The visit provided an opportunity for the ANOCA President and his delegation to interact with athletes at the Games Village, reaffirming the importance of encouragement, support and investment in Africa’s emerging sporting talent.
Team Zambia’s bronze medal, secured by judoka Elisha Zimba in the men’s -55kg category, marked a significant achievement for the country and added another chapter to Zambia’s history at the Youth Olympic Games.
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