DESPITE a second round exit from the on-going Tokyo Olympics after his loss to Russia Olympic Committee’s (ROC) Andrey Zamkovoy, boxer Stephen Zimba has described his participation at the Games as a ‘great experience’.
Zimba beat Samoa's Marion Ah Tong in the first round before losing to Zamkovoy in the next fight to bow out of the Games.
But speaking after his arrival from Japan on Thursday night at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), the welterweight boxer said he was happy with his performance and was looking forward to the 2024 Games which will be held in Paris, France.
“For the Olympics it has been a great experience, I fought a 2012 bronze medallist from Russia and it was a split decision, it was a very tough fight but I’m so glad for this experience."
Zimba is now eyeing the Olympic Games in Paris and is confident of performing well in future.
“I’m pushing hard, this is the beginning and I am still going far with this boxing and I will train hard, there is still Paris 2024 and I will do it there.”
Zimba’s exit alongside Evaristo Mulenga means Zambia’s hopes of reaping a medal from boxing now lie firmly on flyweight Patrick Chinyemba, the only boxer remaining for the country. He will be in action on Saturday (tomorrow).
Both Zimba and Mulenga lost via split decisions, despite a positive showing in their bouts.
Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF) general secretary Westie Chewe, was at the airport to welcome the Zimba and other athletes.
He urged the boxer to focus on the upcoming Games and also expressed confidence that Chinyemba would go further in the competition.
“This is not the last, let’s start preparing for the Commonwealth and I am very confident that our only boxer remaining, I can see that there are positive results.
Meanwhile judoka Steven Mung’andu has also set his sight on the next Games, adding that he is hoping to do better than his performance at the Olympics.
Mung’andu was handed an early exit after a defeat to Slovenia’s Adrian Gomboc in the first round of the men’s 66 kilogram category.
“I just have to work hard for the Commonwealth Games and All African Games and the 2024 Olympics. I will; make sure that I do my level best.
Speaking about his defeat, he said: “My opponent was not too strong, we were the same but it just happened that I was defeated through being penalised.
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