Team Zambia Chasing Commonwealth Games Medals at Glasgow 2026 After Strong Start

Team Zambia has made an encouraging start to its campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with impressive performances in boxing, swimming and lawn bowls boosting the country's hopes of winning medals at one of the Commonwealth's biggest sporting events.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from 23 July to 2 August, have brought together more than 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories competing across 10 sports. The Games officially opened with a colourful ceremony attended by athletes from across the Commonwealth, while His Majesty King Charles III declared the Games open through a message carried in the King's Baton.

Part of Team Zambia with the High Commissioner.

Zambia is represented by 22 athletes competing in athletics, boxing, judo, lawn bowls and swimming, with Team Zambia determined to build on the country's proud history at the Commonwealth Games.

Team Zambia's lawn bowls campaign began against one of the tournament favourites, Australia, where Foster Banda and Gertrude Siame suffered defeat in the women's pairs opening match. However, the Zambian duo quickly bounced back with an impressive display against the Isle of Man. After losing the opening set 6–3, they rallied to win the second set 7–2, forcing a tie-break before sealing a memorable 2–0 victory to register Zambia's first lawn bowls win of the Games.

In the swimming pool, Zambia continued to make history as Zach Moyo produced a remarkable performance in the Men's 100m Breaststroke, recording a new national record and personal best of 1:05.01. Moyo finished 24th overall among 42 competitors, underlining Zambia's growing competitiveness in the sport.

Fellow swimmers Olympian Mia Phiri and Jade Phiri also put up spirited performances in the Women's 50m Butterfly, clocking 28.02 seconds and 28.48 seconds respectively against a highly competitive international field.

The day's biggest celebrations came inside the boxing ring, where Team Zambia delivered two commanding victories. Emmanuel Katema produced a dominant display in the Men's 65kg Round of 32, knocking out Chamil Pathmasiri of Sri Lanka to secure his place in the next round.

Birthday celebrant Mwengo Mwale added to the excitement after defeating Faki Issa Faki of Tanzania by Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the Men's 55kg Round of 32, giving himself the perfect birthday present while advancing to the next stage of the competition.

As Team Zambia's campaign gathered momentum, Zambia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Ms Macenje Mazoka, visited the delegation to offer words of encouragement ahead of the athletes' competitions. She reminded the team that they are ambassadors of Zambia and encouraged them to uphold the country's values by demonstrating discipline, integrity and excellence both in and outside the field of play.

Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA Zambia) President Alfred Foloko thanked the High Commissioner for taking time to meet the delegation and commended Team Zambia for its determination and commitment. He expressed confidence that the athletes would continue to make the nation proud as competition intensifies.

The High Commissioner's visit was also attended by CGA Zambia Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Director of Sport Gibson Muyaule, National Sports Council of Zambia Director/CEO Sombwa Musunsa, Team Zambia Chef de Mission Susanna Dakik, and other Team Zambia officials.

Attention now shifts to another exciting day of competition as Olympian Damien Shamambo takes to the pool in the Men's 50m Freestyle, while lawn bowls pair Foster Banda and Gertrude Siame continue their Women's Pairs campaign against Guernsey and Niue. In boxing, Albert Ngulube is set to make his Commonwealth Games debut in the Men's 60kg Lightweight Round of 32 against Kenia Ibrahim of Uganda.

With confidence growing across the delegation and athletes already delivering standout performances, Team Zambia remains firmly focused on winning medals and flying the national flag high at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.