Athletics Malawi will be hosting the senior and junior track and field regional championships on Saturday, August 3, 2024, starting at 7:30 am.
The events in the southern region will take place at Chirunga Stadium in Zomba. In the central region, they will be held at Dedza Stadium in Dedza, and in the northern region, the events will be at Thumbi ground in Mzimba.
These regional championships are an important part of Athletics Malawi’s strategy to develop and promote young athletes, as well as provide a platform for senior athletes to showcase their skills. Additionally, the championships will be used to identify talent for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 games scheduled for May 2025 in Namibia.
Nicholas Kanyenda, the general secretary of Athletics Malawi, stated that preparations are well underway and they anticipate a successful championship.
“As of today, athletes are still registering for the regional championship. Registration will close on Friday, August 2, 2024. The athletes will compete in various events, including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 5000m races. There will also be shot put, javelin, and long jump,” explained Kanyenda.
Athletes who are identified at the regional championship will have the opportunity to participate in their first training camp next month to prepare for the upcoming AUSC games.
The AUSC Region 5 games are a prestigious event that brings together young athletes from across the region, giving them the chance to compete at a high level. Malawi has a history of strong performances at these games, with the athletics team securing four bronze medals during the 2022 AUSC games held in Lilongwe. This year’s identification tournament aims to build on that success and secure even more medals next year.
Athletics enthusiasts and supporters are encouraged to attend the regional championship at their respective venues and cheer on the athletes as they compete for a spot on the national team. This event promises to be an exciting display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, showcasing the future stars of Malawi athletics.