Zambia Rowing and Canoeing Association

CALL FOR ATHLETES

Location: Kitwe

https://academy.worldrowing.com/rising-waves-young-athletes-from-zambia-and-benin-make-their-mark-on-the-african-beach-sprint-stage/

Rising Waves: Young Athletes from Zambia and Benin Make Their Mark on the African Beach Sprint Stage – World Rowing Academy The sound of the surf at Orient Beach in East London, South Africa, set the scene for new beginnings as young female rowers from Zambia and Benin made their first strokes in coastal rowing at the 2025 African Beach Sprint Championships. For both nations, this debut on the ocean waves marked a powerf...

January has set the tone for a strong year ahead. Despite the constant rain, training has not slowed down. We have been putting in steady work on the rowing machines, building fitness, sharpening technique, and making progress as a team.

If you would like to join the team and train towards racing this season, get in touch. We would love to have you on board.

The 2026 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships presented by Concept2 are coming right up! This exciting format offers individual events of 1 minute, 1000m and 5000m and relay events of 1000m and 5000m. If you've been looking to test yourself virtually in any of these disciplines this is the race for you. We have a 5k plan,https://www.concept2.com/training/plans/5k-erg-test, for those looking to brush up to prepare to race the weekend of February 21st. Follow the link below to learn more about the event and to sign up!

https://worldrowing.com/event/2026-world-rowing-virtual-indoor-championships-presented-by-concept2

CALL FOR ATHLETES

Location: KITWE

The 2026 Prohibited List comes into force today ✅

If you are an athlete or work with athletes, make sure you know this year’s updates. Take a moment to review the List and stay informed before training, competing, or taking any medication or supplement: https://tinyurl.com/2k7fyvcv 🔎

As we wrap up 2025, we look back with pride on a year focused on building and strengthening Zambia Rowing, particularly at junior level. It has been a year of learning, growth, and perseverance, even in the face of ongoing challenges.

With support from World Rowing, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), and Mufulira Boating Club, our athletes were able to represent Zambia at two continental competitions.

In October, we competed at the African Rowing Beach Sprints Championships in East London, South Africa, where our junior women’s double won a bronze medal.

In December, our junior athletes represented the country at the Africa Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.

Each event provided valuable racing experience and important lessons for long-term athlete development.

2025 reinforced the importance of consistency, patience, and investing in our young athletes. As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains on growing the sport, strengthening our development pathways, and building a stronger, more competitive Zambia Rowing team.

Zambia Rowing and Canoeing Association
NOCZ

Message from Team Zambia African Youth Games Chef de Mission – Leslie Chikuse

21 December 2025

As the 4th Edition of the African Youth Games, hosted in Luanda, Angola, from 10 to 20 December 2025, comes to a close, Team Zambia is deeply grateful for the massive support received from all stakeholders and the nation at large.

The talent showcased by our young athletes throughout the competition period has been truly motivating. Competing against gifted athletes from other African nations provided invaluable international exposure and experience, which will play a critical role in their growth and future performances.

While the nation may have hoped for more medals, the three bronze medals won in judo, tennis, and taekwondo must be appreciated by all Zambians.

This was a highly competitive continental event that attracted top talent from across Africa, with every nation fielding athletes determined to fight for supremacy. Our athletes competed with pride, resilience, and commitment, and they deserve recognition for their efforts.

I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President, Alfred Foloko, and his Executive Committee for the unwavering support and coordination that ensured Team Zambia’s participation at these Games.

Special thanks also go to parents for entrusting the delegation with their children, to the coaches for preparing and guiding the athletes even under challenging weather and adjustment conditions, and most importantly to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for its vital contribution towards the team’s travel and participation.

A special tribute goes to the Republican President, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, whose consistent reminder that there are no minor sports continues to inspire sportsmen and women across the country to strive for excellence and medal success.

As Team Zambia heads back home, our focus now turns to upcoming major events such as the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. We therefore call upon the nation to continue supporting the National Olympic Committee of Zambia as it tirelessly prepares and nurtures athletes for these prestigious international competitions.

Together, we will keep building a stronger future for Zambian sport.

God bless

Leslie Chikuse
Chef de Mission
Team Zambia - African Youth Games