NOCZ implores the Wrestling Association of Zambia to qualify athletes for the Olympic Games as the Technical Coaching Course opens in Central Province

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, implored the Wrestling Association of Zambia to start preparing athletes who can qualify for future Olympic Games.

NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi speaking at the opening ceremony of the Technical Coaching Course in Kabwe, Central Province, reminded the executive of the Wrestling Association of Zambia that the nation, when it was called Northern Rhodesia in 1964, only sent two wrestlers to the games.

Kambikambi stated that the Technical Coaching Course (TCC) made possible through the National Olympic Committee of Zambia’s collaboration with Olympic Solidarity (OS) under the International Olympic Committee (IOC), remains an invaluable initiative in empowering national sports federations adding that coaches empowered with the knowledge should consider utilize this moment to nurture athletes who in turn can qualify and represent Zambia at a global stage.

NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi presenting shirt to Farmers Nest CEO Mathew Mohan.

He disclosed that NOCZ remains resolute to support all national sports federations that showcase the desire to uplift their technical teams.

“The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) continues to take a keen interest in supporting initiatives that encourage young people to take up wrestling, a sport in which Zambia last had Olympic representation in 1964, then as Northern Rhodesia, with just two athletes. We hope that through such grassroots efforts, we will see Zambia return to the Olympic mat shortly,” Kambikambi said.

Wrestling Association of Zambia president Mercy Mulenga acknowledged the support with gratitude, stating that following the revival of wrestling in Zambia in 2022, the federation will utilize every moment to see that the sport is appreciated by all and subsequently get to have athletes qualify for the Olympic Games.

Mulenga added that with over 40 coaches being trained, Zambia is destined to start producing talented wrestlers who will inspire many, not only in the region but across the globe too.

Coaches pose for a photo after the opening ceremony.

At the same ceremony, Farmers Nest Chief Executive Officer Mathew Mohan said the association should stand ready to collaborate with others for the growth of the sport of wrestling.

Mohan, who was the guest of honour, urged the Wrestling Association of Zambia not to rely only on the NOCZ’s support but also to broaden their support request from the corporate who can also help grow wrestling and have several activities conducted across the nation. He added that engaging young athletes between the ages of 6 to 12 years will greatly groom them into becoming successful competitors shortly and be ripe to represent Zambia at all major games.

The Technical Coaching Course running from 16 to 20 June 2025 is being facilitated by Purity Akuh from Nigeria, Charles Villet from South Africa and Happiness Enugu from Nigeria and is focused on topics such as preparation for coaching sessions, best practices during coaching sessions, and risk assessment to ensure safety during training, among others.