Foloko Commends Smooth Elections by Badminton, Squash and Volleyball Associations

The past weekend proved eventful and significant for the Zambian sports fraternity, with three key federations conducting peaceful elections, marking either a shift or continuity in their leadership teams. These federations play integral roles in Zambia’s Olympic and Commonwealth sport movements, reinforcing the importance of stable governance for athlete development and international success.

Reacting to these elections, National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Alfred Foloko extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected presidents of the Squash Association of Zambia (SAZ) and the Zambia Volleyball Association (ZAVA).

In his message to the newly elected SAZ President Felix Chilufya, Foloko expressed optimism about the future, stating, "Your election comes at a pivotal and exciting moment for squash, especially as it has been included for the first time in the Olympic program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. We are confident your leadership will drive forward the sport’s development in Zambia and significantly contribute to our athletes' preparation and successful qualification for this landmark event."

Squash Association of Zambia President-Elect Felix Chilufya, speaking during the inaugural NOCZ Technical Directors Seminar.

Similarly, President Foloko emphasized the continued partnership with volleyball's leadership under President Samuel Sinyinza, highlighting that "Volleyball has always been an integral part of Zambian sports, and we are confident that under your leadership, the sport will reach even greater heights."

Additionally, Foloko conveyed congratulations to the re-elected president of the Badminton Association of Zambia Kingsley Mulenga, recognizing the association's stability and reaffirming his support for their continued efforts to uplift badminton across the nation.

President Foloko reiterated NOCZ’s commitment to close collaboration with all affiliated associations, emphasizing that cooperation is crucial for creating opportunities for athletes, promoting grassroots participation, and enhancing Zambia's sporting profile on the international stage, particularly in the buildup to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

In a country recently experiencing tensions within sports governance, this weekend's peaceful elections stand as a positive example. Such processes reflect the commitment of Zambia’s sporting federations to the principles of good governance, transparency, and seamless leadership transitions, which are essential ingredients for sustained growth and the benefit of athletes across Zambia.