Minister challenges Team Malawi to win medals

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata has called on the Malawi Commonwealth Games team travelling to Glasgow, Scotland, to bring medals and make the country proud.

He made the call yesterday during a send-off reception for Team Malawi at Sunbird Capital in Lilongwe.

“Malawi has been participating in the games since 1970, the question we should be asking ourselves is what have we achieved in these years?

“We have failed to win a medal for a long time. To the athletes, it’s high time that we should bring medals to Malawi and improve your rankings. Malawians have hope in you. Your success will motivate the young generation to do well. Go there and fight for your country,” said Gangata.

Malawi Olympic Committee president Jappie Mhango, who is also Minister of Transport and Public Works, echoed the call to excel in Glasgow while expressing confidence that the team will do well.

He said: “Let’s go there and do the best and fight and fight. If you bring results we will reward you. I have hope that the team is going to compete and not as journeymen. Remember, we are flying the Malawi flag, we don’t want acts of misbehaviour.

“I must thank government , FDH Bank plc and Essential Tours and the British High Commission for the financial support. Resources have been flowing with everything given on time. FDH Bank and Essential Tours, the resources you have given, have made us to be where we are today.”

British Deputy High Commissioner Ben Nicholson, who graced the event, wished the the Malawi team success

“As you head to Scotland, I wish you every success. May you compete with pride, perform to the very best of your abilities, create memories that last a lifetime and, with a little luck on your side, return home with medals as well.

“As the Commonwealth Games shows, sport is also one of the many bonds that Malawi and the United Kingdom enjoy. Through partnerships, exchanges, coaching initiatives and people-to-peopleconnections, sport continues to bring our two countries closer together. We are proud of those links and excited to see them continue to grow,’ he said.

Chief de mission for the Malawi team Francis Kakhuta Banda called on the team not to disappoint the country.

He said: “You carry more than a flag. You carry the aspirations of over 22 million Malawians who believe in your ability to compete with courage, integrity, and excellence.

“As you prepare to compete against some of the finest athletes from across the Commonwealth, remember that your strength lies not only in your physical ability, but also in your character discipline and unity,” he said.

The Games will run from July 23 to August 2. Malawi last won a mefal at the Games in 1986, 40 years to be precise.

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