NOCZ Engages Zambia Athletics on Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifications and Support

In the spirit of continued engagements and closer collaborations with National Federations leading up to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) had a meeting with Zambian Athletes on to discuss pertinent issues.

The meeting was an interactive one with the delegation from Athletics, comprising Zambia Athletics President Elias Mpondela and National Coach Douglas Kalembo. The aim was for NOCZ to understand the qualification process and what is needed for track and field athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Speaking after the meeting, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko said, "I know that we are at a critical stage in terms of qualification, but our conversation with them was that we focus on the African Championships where we can put our resources together, the Government, NOCZ, and Zambia Athletics. We are also calling upon the Corporate world to come on board and ensure we support Muzala Samukonga and the Team."

Foloko added that the athletics team put up a good performance in the Bahamas for the World Relay Championships despite arriving a day before the competition and competing without acclimatization.

"As NOCZ and the federation, we have agreed that we should always ensure we give our athletes enough time as they compete to prepare accordingly. If finances allow, the Coaches' desire is that the Team is camped in Europe before the African Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon, as they will also be able to compete in various competitions whilst in Europe."

Furthermore, Foloko expressed excitement about having such interactions with key stakeholders such as Zambia Athletics.

L-R: Coach Douglas Kalembo, NOCZ SG/CEO Boniface Kambikambi, Zambia Athletics President Elias Mpondela, NOCZ President Alfred Foloko, Rodrick Ndhlovu Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Commenting on the meeting, Zambia Athletics President Elias Mpondela revealed, "It was an important and candid kind of meeting that enables one to walk out with a positive mind and a relief that we are working together and involved because, in the past, there was that gap that has been broken."

Mpondela added that he is impressed with the new approach taken by President Foloko and his team of engaging federations that have potential or have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"Through working together, we can have one consolidated plan leading up to the games. This plan is aimed at addressing each team's needs, which are being investigated. I liked the fact that NOCZ asked us to share whatever we are planning, even if we are also writing to the government, in addition to effective communication on how we are managing the Athletes on the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship."

This meeting, which comes a few days after NOCZ met the Football Association of Zambia for similar interactions, was also attended by NOCZ Secretary General/CEO Boniface Kambikambi, NOCZ Technical Commission Chairperson Mutale Masala, Team Zambia Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Rodrick Ndhlovu, and Team Zambia Games Admin for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Tinyiko Kamanga.