NOCZ

TEAM ZAMBIA GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES UPDATE

Team Zambia has concluded its judo campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with Rita Kabinda -63kg delivering the country’s best performance in the sport.

Kabinda impressed throughout the competition, winning her opening two contests to secure a place in the semi-finals. She was, however, defeated by Canada’s Laurence Biron, dropping into the bronze medal contest.

In the bronze medal contest, Kabinda faced Nigeria’s Enku Ekuta, daughter of former African judo champion Ewa Ekuta. Despite a spirited performance, Kabinda narrowly missed out on a podium finish, ending her Commonwealth Games campaign in fifth place.

In the men’s events, John Kapungwe -73kg bowed out in the preliminary round after losing to Repiyallage Chamara of Sri Lanka. Andrew Sande -90kg also exited in the preliminary round following defeat to Rémi Feuillet of Mauritius.

The Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia has commended all five judokas and the coaching staff for their commitment, resilience and dedication in representing the nation at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, wishing them continued success in future competitions.

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Samukonga Thanks Zambia for Support After Missing Out on Medal

Team Zambia's Muzala Samukonga OLY has thanked Zambians for their overwhelming support after finishing sixth in the Men's 400m final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The defending Commonwealth champion clocked 45.61 seconds in a highly competitive final, falling short of retaining the title he won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Following the race, Samukonga took to social media to express his gratitude to the nation.

"Thank you for your love and support, Mother Zambia 🇿🇲. Unfortunately, we didn't bring it back home."

Although he did not return with a medal, Samukonga's journey remains an inspiration to many young athletes. His commitment, humility and determination continue to embody the spirit of Team Zambia, reminding the nation that champions are defined not only by victories, but also by resilience in the face of adversity.

The Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia commends Muzala for his dedication and for proudly representing the nation on the Commonwealth stage. Zambia remains proud of its champion.

Muzala Samukonga Eyes Historic Commonwealth Games 400m Title Defence at Glasgow 2026

All eyes will be on Team Zambia’s sprint star Muzala Samukonga OLY this afternoon as he gets ready to defend his men’s 400m title at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The reigning Commonwealth champion will race in the much-anticipated final at 13:00 CAT, carrying Zambia’s hopes and the excitement of a nation ready for another big moment in its sports history.

Samukonga announced himself on the global stage at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he stormed to a historic gold medal in the men's 400m. That victory made him the first Zambian to win Commonwealth Games athletics gold in more than six decades and cemented his status as one of Africa's finest one-lap runners.

Four years later, the challenge is different.

This time, Samukonga is no longer the hunter but the athlete everyone wants to beat.

Speaking to the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA Zambia) Media Team ahead of today's race, the defending champion expressed confidence in his preparations, revealing that his focus has been on Glasgow for the past two years.

"I am more than prepared. I have been preparing for the Commonwealth Games for the past two years," Samukonga said.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games 400m bronze medalist said he arrived at the championship in excellent condition and intends to embrace the occasion with confidence and composure.

"I am okay, and I am going onto the track to enjoy myself and have fun," he added.

While his achievements have earned him recognition across the Commonwealth, Samukonga knows that remaining at the top requires even greater commitment than reaching it.

Reflecting on the responsibility of wearing the champion's crown, he acknowledged that defending a title is one of the toughest challenges in elite sport.

"Becoming a champion is easy, but defending your title and remaining consistent is hard. I am praying to God to guide me through this journey, and I know He will," he said.

Those words reflect the maturity and humility that have defined Samukonga's career. Behind every medal has been years of discipline, sacrifice and relentless training, qualities that have inspired countless young athletes across Zambia.

Today's final is more than just another race. It is an opportunity for Zambia to once again celebrate excellence on one of the biggest stages in Commonwealth sport. As the defending champion, Samukonga carries the hopes of millions of Zambians who will be following every stride from home and across the world.

Regardless of the outcome, his journey continues to inspire a new generation of athletes to dream bigger, work harder and believe that success on the international stage is possible.

As the clock counts down to 13:00 CAT, the nation stands united behind its champion.
https://www.nocz.org/post/muzala-samukonga-eyes-historic-commonwealth-games-400m-title-defence-at-glasgow-2026

Team Zambia Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Competition Schedule: 1 August 2026.

A moment to remember.

Team Zambia's bronze medallist Catherine Mwape was visibly emotional as Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia President Alfred Foloko congratulated her on her historic achievement at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Making her Commonwealth Games debut, Catherine's determination and fighting spirit in the boxing ring earned Zambia its first medal of the Games and made history as the country's first female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal.

TEAM ZAMBIA GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES COMPETITION UPDATE

Team Zambia recorded encouraging performances in both athletics and judo on Friday as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continued in Scotland.

In athletics, the mixed 4x400m relay team comprising Patrick Nyambe, Niddy Mingilishi, Kennedy Luchembe and Emeldah Kapunjila finished fourth in their heat with a time of 3:21.70. Despite missing automatic qualification, the quartet advanced to the final as one of the fastest qualifying teams outside the automatic places and will return to the track tomorrow to compete for medals.

Meanwhile, Team Zambia’s judo campaign got underway with Sylvia Nawila (-57kg) and Simon Zulu (-66kg) taking to the tatami.

Simon Zulu exited the competition in the preliminary round after losing to Christodoulides P. of Cyprus by Hansoku-make, following the accumulation of three shidos (penalties), resulting in disqualification.

Sylvia Nawila began her campaign impressively, defeating Deann Walton of Barbados to advance to the next round. She was later defeated by Donne Breytenbach of South Africa, but remained in contention through the repechage, keeping her hopes of a bronze medal alive.

In the repechage contest, Nawila faced Frema Agyei of Ghana but was unable to progress, bringing her Commonwealth Games campaign to an end.

Team Zambia commends Sylvia Nawila and Simon Zulu for their determination, resilience and commitment in representing the nation on the Commonwealth stage.

Attention now turns to the second day of the judo competition, where Rita Kabinda (-63kg), John Kapungwe (-73kg) and Andrew K. Sande (-90kg) will be in action as Team Zambia continues its quest for success at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

TEAM ZAMBIA GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES UPDATE

Team Zambia has secured its first two medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after boxers Catherine Mwape and Emmanuel Katema claimed bronze medals in their respective weight categories.

Catherine Mwape made history by becoming the first Zambian female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal, earning bronze in the Women’s 54kg category. Her medal is also Team Zambia’s first medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Mwape settled for bronze after a spirited performance in the semi-final, where she was defeated by Preeti Preeti of India. Throughout the tournament, she demonstrated courage, determination and skill to secure her place on the podium and write her name into Zambia’s sporting history.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Katema added to Team Zambia’s medal tally by winning bronze in the Men’s 65kg category, becoming Team Zambia’s second medallist at the Games.

Katema’s campaign came to an end in the semi-final following a hard-fought contest against Patris Mughalzai of England. His outstanding performances throughout the competition showcased his resilience, talent and determination, earning Zambia another place on the Commonwealth Games podium.

Congratulations to Catherine Mwape and Emmanuel Katema for flying the Zambian flag high at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

A PODIUM FINISH FOR TEAM ZAMBIA!
Congratulations to Emmanuel Katema on claiming a bronze medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the second medal for Team Zambia.
Although his journey ended in the Men's 65kg Semi-Final against Patris Mughalzai of England, Emmanuel displayed exceptional courage, skill, and determination throughout the tournament to earn Zambia a place on the podium.
Well done, Emmanuel! Your outstanding performances have made the nation proud. 🇿🇲🥉👏

CATHERINE MWAPE SETTLES FOR BRONZE
Congratulations to Catherine Mwape on winning a bronze medal, the first medal for Team Zambia, at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. She becomes the first female boxer to win a medal at these games.
Despite falling to Preeti of India in the Women's 54kg Semi-Final, Catherine displayed tremendous courage, determination and skill throughout the competition to secure Zambia another medal on the Commonwealth stage.
Well fought, Catherine. The nation is proud of you! 🇿🇲🥉👏