As the Paris Olympic Games concluded with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame last night, we warmly welcome back our Zambia National Olympic Team and extend our heartfelt congratulations for their participation in the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
A special congratulations goes to Muzala Samukonga, our hero who secured a bronze medal in the 400 meters race, embodying the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger). His 4 × 400m relay Team mates who qualified for the finals deserve special recognition too.
To the rest of our team members, including the women’s National Soccer Team, though you may not have won medals, your participation itself is an incredible achievement, and we congratulate you for becoming Olympians.
This experience not only builds resilience but also highlights the importance of perseverance—a value that this President deeply understands, alongside the significance of teamwork and the determination to never give up.
The Olympics also offer us a moment to reflect on our sports culture. We remember the achievements of Yotam Muleya, who in 1958 broke the color barrier by defeating British Track and Field world champion Gordon Pirie. Zambia has immense talent, and it’s time to discover more athletes like Muleya.
With the introduction of free education, we now have the opportunity to tap into schools to identify and nurture talent. Beyond track and field, we have natural potential in water sports like paddling and kayaking, cycling, and field sports such as javelin, shot put, and discus. Zambia was an African power house in Squash, Badminton and Table Tennis.
Our sports organizations must become more organized, avoid unnecessary conflicts and elitism, and focus on their work. There should be no time to waste.
As our economy grows, we also call upon corporations to invest in sports as part of their corporate responsibility. Sports unite people, build national character, and empower youth—let’s invest in it.
Hakainde Hichilema.
President of the Republic of Zambia.
