Zambia, UAE Athletics Forge Strategic Alliance for Athlete Development, International Competition
Zambia Athletics (ZA) has announced a significant step forward in its international collaborations following a fruitful meeting between its President, Major Bernard Bwalya, and the President of the UAE Athletics Federation, Major General Dr. Mohammed Abdalla Al Mur. The high-level engagement, held in the United Arab Emirates, signifies a commitment from both nations to enhance athletic development and foster shared opportunities within the sport.
The discussions centered on strengthening the ties between the two federations, with a strong emphasis on initiatives that will directly benefit athletes and contribute to the growth of athletics in both Zambia and the UAE. Several key outcomes were agreed upon, paving the way for tangible collaborative efforts.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the establishment of Joint Talent Identification Initiatives. Zambia and UAE Athletics will pool their expertise to identify promising young athletes in both the UAE and Zambia. This collaborative approach aims to create structured and innovative pathways for nurturing future champions from the grassroots level.
Recognizing the importance of elite preparation, both federations have committed to Shared High-Performance Training Camps. This cooperation will see athletes from both nations benefit from coordinated access to training camps in preparation for major international competitions. This will provide invaluable exposure to elite training environments and coaching expertise, ultimately enhancing athlete performance.
In a significant boost for Zambian athletes, Participation in UAE Athletic Events has been secured. Zambia Athletics has received an invitation for its athletes to participate in all major marathons and track competitions hosted in the UAE and Dubai. This presents a golden opportunity for Zambian athletes to gain crucial international experience and exposure on a prominent stage, with the remarkable provision that the costs for their participation will be covered by the UAE Athletics Federation.
During the meeting, Major General Dr. Al Mur conveyed his strong endorsement of the athlete-centered vision championed by Major Bwalya for Zambia Athletics. He also reaffirmed the UAE Athletics Federation’s unwavering commitment to partnering with Zambia in realizing this ambitious vision.
Furthermore, Dr. Al Mur accepted a formal invitation, extended by Major Bwalya on behalf of National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Alfred Foloko, to attend the prestigious ABSA Marathon scheduled to take place in Lusaka in September 2025.
This press statement was issued on May 13th, 2025, by Andson Katongo, ZA Director of International Marketing.
