ANOCA President Commends Team Zambia and Calls for Focus on Future Olympics

ANOCA President Congratulates Team Zambia on Dakar 2026 Bronze, Urges Focus on LA28 and Brisbane 2032

Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Mustapha Berraf has congratulated Team Zambia on winning a bronze medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, while encouraging the country to begin preparing for future major sporting events, particularly the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) and Brisbane 2032.

Berraf made the remarks during a visit to the Athletes’ Village in Dakar, where he and his delegation interacted with Zambian athletes and members of the country’s delegation.

He praised the talent and skills demonstrated by Zambian athletes at the Games, saying the performances highlighted the country’s potential to produce competitors capable of representing Zambia at future Olympic events.

Berraf stressed the importance of nurturing young talent through sustained investment and proper development programmes. He also urged the delegation not to be discouraged by the number of medals won, noting that participation, experience and continuous improvement were equally important aspects of the Olympic journey.

He expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to increase its medal count at future international competitions and encouraged countries across the continent to continue investing in their athletes.

Team Zambia Chef de Mission Besa Chibwe described the visit as encouraging, saying it was gratifying to have the ANOCA President and his delegation engage with the athletes and recognise Zambia’s achievement at Dakar 2026.

Chibwe said ANOCA’s commitment to supporting African athletes was inspiring and that such recognition gives young competitors confidence as they pursue their sporting ambitions.

Meanwhile, National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Alfred Foloko, who also serves as ANOCA Vice President, expressed satisfaction with the environment provided for athletes throughout the Games.

Foloko thanked the Government and people of Senegal, together with the International Olympic Committee, for their efforts in successfully hosting the first Youth Olympic Games on African soil.

He also welcomed Berraf’s congratulatory message following Zambia’s judo bronze medal, describing it as a positive gesture that Zambians back home should embrace as they celebrate the achievement.

Zambia’s medal at Dakar 2026 was secured by judoka Elisha Zimba in the men’s -55kg category, marking an important milestone for the country at the Youth Olympic Games.

The visit reinforced the importance of continued encouragement, support and investment in Africa’s emerging sporting talent as nations look towards future Olympic competitions.