By Chisomo Kambandanga
District Education and Sports Officer for Nkhata Bay, Shadreck Chiundiza, has commended the Malawi Triathlon Union (MTU) for its efforts to promote triathlon at grassroot level in the country.
Chiundiza made the remarks on Sunday at Chikale Beach Resort in Nkhata Bay during a day-long triathlon tournament organised by the MTU Northern Region Chapter, targeting youths from across the northern region, aimed at promoting the sport, identifying young talent and preparing athletes for future national and international competitions.
Triathlon is a multi-discipline sport that combines swimming, running, and cycling, performed consecutively without breaks.
According to Chiundiza, the initiative has greatly encouraged young athletes and motivated them to train harder with the ambition of competing at both national and international levels.
“I am glad that Nkhata Bay hosted this event for the first time. Our youths have been energised, and this has motivated us to intensify training in various sporting disciplines so that more youth from the district can participate, thereby putting Nkhata Bay on the map,” he said.
He added that Nkhata Bay District Council is committed to working with various sports associations to nurture young talent and use sports as a tool for youth development.MTU Northern Region Chapter General Secretary Draxon Maloya expressed satisfaction with the turnout and performance of the athletes, describing it as a clear indication that triathlon has a promising future in Malawi.
“We are impressed with the participation and commitment demonstrated today.
“Triathlon will continue to grow and will be among the sporting disciplines representing Malawi at international competitions, including the Olympic Games,” said Maloya.
He said the chapter will lobby MTU national executive to consider hosting an upcoming national triathlon competition in the northern region, citing adequate infrastructure and strong community support.
However, Maloya acknowledged challenges such as limited equipment, particularly bicycles, but assured athletes and stakeholders that efforts are underway to address the challenges through partnerships and resource mobilisation.
A Standard 7 learner at Chikale Primary School, Adam Banda, emerged as the overall winner of the tournament.
Banda thanked his coaches for believing in him and allowing him to compete.
Athletes from across the northern region participated in the competition, which involved swimming in Lake Malawi, followed by running and cycling, an event organisers described as a major milestone in the growth of triathlon in the country.
