ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: ZAMBIAN SKATEBOARDER MUKUKA CHANDE

Zambia’s skateboarding sensation, Mukuka Chande, is gradually carving out his name on the global stage, turning his childhood passion into a determined pursuit of Olympic success.

Chande began skateboarding about 11 to 12 years ago and started competing professionally in 2016. His passion for sport started at a young age, motivating him to pursue his dream of competing among the world’s best while representing Zambia.

"I have always been an athlete for as long as I can remember, and fulfilling my childhood dream of competing with the world’s best is what keeps me motivated," said Chande.

Chande is a six-time consecutive National Skateboarding Champion. He achieved a top-100 finish at the 2024 World Skate Tour Olympic Qualifiers, held in Dubai in March 2024. In 2023, he won the I2B Championship in Cape Town, South Africa, and also secured a third-place finish in the same competition.

Mukuka Chande at East African Skate Cup in Ethiopia

He later finished sixth at the Kimberley Diamond Cup in South Africa in 2025 and emerged as the number one qualifier in the Open Qualifiers at UltimateX in Cape Town. In 2026, he won both gold and silver medals at the East African Skate Cup in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Chande said receiving recognition and support from the International Olympic Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia was a humbling moment and a major step towards achieving his Olympic ambitions.

“I felt blessed and honoured by the support shown in my ability. This opportunity brings me closer to competing at the highest level and inspires younger skateboarders to believe that their dreams are possible,” he said.

Chande also credited his coach, John Kalenga, for playing a significant role in his development, noting that the coach has supported him both physically and mentally while ensuring he remains competition-ready and focused on continuous growth.

Meanwhile, Skateboarding Coach John Kalenga described Chande as a highly determined and passionate athlete who was committed to excelling even before skateboarding gained Olympic recognition. Kalenga said the introduction of skateboarding into the Olympic programme motivated them to intensify training and preparation.

“Chande has always taken skateboarding beyond a recreational activity. He is determined to compete at the highest level and build a professional career in the sport,” said Kalenga.

Kalenga emphasised that coaching and mentorship are essential in developing young athletes, as they help shape athletes into responsible individuals while preparing them for competitive sport. He further highlighted discipline as a key virtue required for athletes aspiring to reach elite levels of performance.

“Skateboarding is a technical sport that requires proper knowledge, coaching capacity and mentorship. Beyond coaching, we are working to create opportunities for young athletes and provide them with exposure and confidence to compete internationally,” he said.

Kalenga said the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship marks a significant milestone for skateboarding in Zambia as it places the sport alongside traditional disciplines such as athletics. He noted that being recognised alongside elite athletes such as Olympic 400-metre bronze medallist Muzala Samukonga demonstrates the growing recognition of skateboarding in the country.

Coach John Kalenga and Mukuka Chande in Ethiopia

Kalenga added that the scholarship represents recognition for everyone who contributed to establishing and developing skateboarding in Zambia.

Kalenga further explained that he has contributed to the growth of skateboarding by facilitating the construction of the country’s first and currently only skate park, which also operates as a skate school. He said skateboarding equipment is expensive, costing thousands of kwacha, and he continues to seek international support and donations to help young athletes access equipment.

Chande’s rise in international skateboarding not only signals personal success but also reflects the growing recognition of emerging sports in Zambia, offering hope and inspiration to a new generation of athletes determined to take their talents beyond national borders.