Team Zambia Officially Sent Off Ahead of Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) on Sunday, October 25, 2026, held a send-off ceremony for Team Zambia at the Senegalese Embassy in Lusaka ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will run from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Gibson Muyaule, who officiated at the ceremony, described the Games as a historic milestone for Africa, as Senegal prepares to host the first Olympic event on African soil.
Muyaule said the Games come at a defining moment for Zambia as the Government continues to pursue the Grow Zambia Agenda, which promotes inclusive growth and opportunities for all citizens.
He said President Hakainde Hichilema recognises sport as a driver of socioeconomic development, with continued investment in talent identification and sports infrastructure.
Muyaule urged the athletes to represent Zambia with pride, integrity, discipline and excellence. He reminded them that they were ambassadors of the country and encouraged them to uphold clean sport by complying with anti-doping rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko, in a speech delivered by Vice President Nakaonga Kakoma, said Zambia will be represented by six athletes competing in four sports disciplines: athletics, judo, swimming and badminton.
Foloko explained that Zambia had initially applied for 115 athlete places, but the final allocation was reduced to six through a quota process involving national and international sports federations, the International Olympic Committee and the host country.
“We have confidence in these young athletes and believe they will represent Zambia with honour, discipline, determination, and pride,” said Foloko.
He challenged the athletes to aim for more medals while upholding the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.
Foloko said Zambia had won four medals in its three previous Youth Olympic Games appearances, comprising one gold, two silver and one bronze. He also thanked the Government, parents and guardians, national sports associations, coaches and technical personnel for their support in preparing the team for the competition.
Senegal’s Consulate General, H.E. Sow Maguette, described the Games as a historic opportunity for Africa to showcase its ability to host major international sporting events and celebrate the talent and potential of young people across the continent.
Maguette expressed hope that the Games will strengthen relations between Zambia and Senegal while promoting African solidarity, youth empowerment and regional cooperation.
NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi also urged the athletes to represent Zambia with pride, courage and discipline, saying they had earned the opportunity through hard work, dedication and determination.
Kambikambi reminded the athletes that the Games were not only about winning medals but also about gaining international experience, building friendships and developing into future champions and leaders. He encouraged them to uphold the Olympic values and serve as proud ambassadors of the country.
NOCZ Treasurer Victor Banda expressed gratitude to the Government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the Senegalese Consulate and Embassy representatives, partners, national sports federations, parents and other stakeholders for supporting the team’s participation.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Marileydis Dueñas Morales, National Sports Council of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa, OYDC Zambia–Sports Development Centre Technical Director Eng. Elton Zulu, national federation presidents, including Guy Phiri, Olympian Jonathan Chipalo, NOCZ Athletes Commission member Richard Mulenga, federation representatives and coaches.
Team Zambia delegation
The six athletes selected to represent Zambia at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are:
* Elisha Zimba – Judo
* Bhardwaj Anjuman – Badminton
* Sibongile Miti – Swimming
* Joshua Mulenga – Swimming
* Edward Cole – Swimming
* Nathan Matete – Athletics
The coaching team comprises Ian Stephenson (swimming), Donald Mabo (badminton), Chipoma Mulenga (athletics) and Ndungu Mwitumwa (judo).
The team management is led by Chef de Mission Besa Chibwe, supported by Deputy Chef de Mission Monica Lombe, Games Administrator Tinyiko L. Kamanga, Welfare Officer Mwange Kampamba, Physiotherapist Leonard Silungwe, Medical Doctor Charlotte Kasempa and Press Attaché Noah Silomba.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will bring together young athletes from across the world from October 31 to November 13. Zambia will compete in athletics, judo, swimming and badminton, with its six athletes seeking to build on the country’s previous Youth Olympic Games achievements.
NOCZ remains committed to developing young sporting talent and creating opportunities for Zambian athletes to compete and excel at international level.
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