Vice President Saulos Chilima says there is need to conduct some soul searching over Malawi’s continued poor showing at Commonwealth Games.
Speaking when he received the Symbolic Queen’s Baton on November 16 at Chileka international Airport in Blantyre ahead of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Vice President said Malawi has been participating in the Games for a long time, but the performance has not long been encouraging.
“Most African Countries used to perform poorly at these Games, but are now doing well ad are able to win medals from the Games. It is now time for us, particularly our technical officials to analyse and identify where we have been getting it wrong. Let us make ourselves and people we represent proud by winning medals at the Game.”
He Said
“The arrival of the Queens Batons Baton in Malawi is a reminder that the Games are drawing closer. It is, therefore, time for us to enhance our preparations for the Games. Let us be serious and improve the way we do things so that we too start winning medals. Serious planning within the remaining period can make a big difference in our performance.”
Said Chilima
Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama said the arrival of the Baton has given Malawian athletes hope and they will intensify preparations for the Games scheduled to run from July 28 to August 8, 2022.
The Commonwealth Games Association of Malawi President, Jappie Mhango said the Baton will be on awareness display at various places until November 18 before it is dispatched to Zambia on 19.
“The Baton is a symbol of Hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth Nations. We are delighted to host the baton and we hope Malawians will embrace it as it crisscrosses the country.”
He Said
Mhango thanked the Vice President for Gracing the occasion, saying it spoke volumes about the Government’s commitment the development of sports. From the Airport, the baton was taken to Blantyre Civic Centre where it was handed over to Mayor Wild Ndilipo. In the Morning it was taken to Blantyre Mission and later the Old Town Hall. On 18th the Baton was displayed on its way to Mulanje via Robert Mugabe Highway with Whistle stops at Chisitu, Chitakale and Mulanje Boma.
From Mulanje, it was taken back to Blantyre via Thyolo with whistle stops at Luchenza and Bvumbwe Trading Centre.
Malawi will take part in Games in the following earmarked sport disciplines Netball, Boxing, Judo, Athletics and Swimming. The 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom from July 28 to August 8 2022. As a tradition before the Games, the Queens Baton is relayed from Buckingham Palace to the Commonwealth member countries which include Malawi.
The Baton’s welcoming Ceremony was spiced up by traditional dances and symbolic Games in Netball, Boxing and Judo. Netball Legend Mary Waya also gave a motivating Story on how the sport gave her the platform to scale lofty heights. By Garry Chirwa
