The Ministry of Youth and Sports has reiterated its commitment to supporting all sports disciplines in Malawi, with a focus on ensuring athletes achieve outstanding performances in both local and international competitions.
In a statement on Tuesday in Lilongwe, the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Macmillan Mwale, expressed his full support for the country’s athletes during a ceremony to welcome the Malawi Karate Team. The team recently participated in two prestigious tournaments: the Lusaka Open Championship in Zambia and the Kurai Open Championship in Zimbabwe. The Lusaka event took place on November 9, 2024, followed by the Zimbabwe tournament from November 16 to 17, 2024.
The 12-member team brought home remarkable results, winning a total of 3 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals in Zambia, and 2 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze medals in Zimbabwe. This stellar performance marks a significant achievement for the team, showcasing their dedication and excellence on the international stage.
Mwale lauded the team’s success, emphasizing that such accomplishments are key to the development of sports in the country and provide an important benchmark for future competitions. He further noted that this victory represents a stepping stone ahead of next year’s African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games, set to take place in Namibia in May 2025.
“We are proud of the Malawi Karate Team’s outstanding achievements. This is a clear demonstration of the talent and potential that exists within our athletes. The Ministry will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure they perform at their best in future tournaments,” Mwale stated.
Joseph Kawelama, the President of the Malawi Karate Federation, attributed the success of the team to the athletes’ sheer determination and fighting spirit. He emphasized that the Karate team’s hard work, discipline, and focus during the tournaments were pivotal to their remarkable outcomes. Kawelama expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continued backing, which he believes played a crucial role in the team’s successful participation.
“This success is a result of our athletes’ commitment, perseverance, and the support from our Ministry. We are excited to continue working towards representing Malawi at the highest levels, and we are confident that our achievements will inspire more young people to take up sports,” said Kawelama.
As the Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to invest in the development of various sports disciplines, the Malawi Karate Team’s success serves as a testament to the potential for growth and excellence in Malawian sports. With ongoing support and a shared commitment to success, Malawi’s athletes are well on their way to achieving even greater accomplishments on both regional and global stages.