Team Zambia Returns Home with Two Bronze Medals from Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA Zambia) welcomed Team Zambia back home following a successful campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, where the nation secured two bronze medals through boxers Catherine Mwape and Emmanuel Katema.

The delegation arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Tuesday, 4 July, to a warm reception led by National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia Vice President Nakaonga Kakoma, NOCZ Treasurer Victor Banda, British High Commission Deputy High Commissioner Jason Tran, National Sports Council of Zambia Director/CEO Sombwa Musunsa, representatives from various sports associations and other stakeholders.

The National Sports Council of Zambia Director/CEO Sombwa Musunsa and the National Olympic Committee and the commonwealth Games Association of Zambia Vice President Nakaonga Kakoma presenting a bouquet of flowers to Catherine Mwape and Emmanuel Katema.

Welcoming the team, NOC/CGA Zambia Vice President Ms Nakaonga Kakoma in a message delivered on behalf of President Alfred Foloko, congratulated the athletes for representing Zambia on the Commonwealth stage.

The athletes were commended for their dedication, discipline and commitment throughout the Games. Athletes were further encouraged that those who did not return home with medals should not to be discouraged, reminding them that they remain national heroes whose efforts have inspired the country.

Bronze medallist Catherine Mwape, who made history as the first Zambian woman to win a Commonwealth Games boxing medal, said she travelled to Glasgow with one goal: to return home with a medal.

"My mission was to come back home with a medal, whether bronze, silver or gold. I am grateful to have achieved that goal. The experience has taught me a lot and has given me valuable exposure to compete against international boxers," Mwape said.

Fellow bronze medallist Emmanuel Katema described the Games as a valuable learning experience and thanked God for helping him achieve his dream of winning a Commonwealth Games medal.

"I thank God for this medal. The experience I have gained is priceless, and now my focus shifts to preparing for future international competitions," Katema said.

In remarks delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, National Sports Council of Zambia Director/CEO Sombwa Musunsa congratulated Team Zambia on its performance and reaffirmed Government's continued commitment to supporting athletes.

He announced that Government would soon organise an official ceremony to celebrate the athletes and present the medals won during the Games. He also paid special tribute to Catherine Mwape for making history as Zambia's first female Commonwealth Games boxing medallist.

Meanwhile, Team Zambia Head of Delegation Susanna Dakik said the delegation's objective had been to return home with medals, a mission that was successfully accomplished.

She commended all athletes for giving their best on the Commonwealth stage and thanked the coaches, support staff, Government, stakeholders and the Zambian people for the encouragement and support shown throughout the Games.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games saw Zambia represented by 22 athletes competing in five sports: athletics, boxing, judo, lawn bowls and swimming.

The performances delivered in Glasgow have provided a strong foundation as the country now turns its attention to future international competitions, including the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta.