By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

GOVERNMENT has given Badminton Zambia (BZ) a nod to host the 2014 Zone Six Badminton Championship slated for November 16 to 18.
The tournament will be followed by the Zambia International Championship which will see players from across Africa jostle for qualification points for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) earlier this year, awarded Zambia the right to stage the Southern Africa regional tournament but that was subject to Government’s approval.
BZ general secretary, Kingsley Mulenga said in an interview yesterday that Government had approved BCA’s request and that preparations for the tournament were underway.
“We have a tight schedule of programmes on our calendar and I can confirm that Government gave us a go ahead to host the Zone Six tournament that will attract countries in the Southern African region. Hosting such a tournament is a positive development to us and we now have to commence preparations and ensure that the competition is successful,” he said.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) allocates grants to Zone Six hosting countries for the purpose of preparations.
Mulenga also said South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have already confirmed participation in the tournament.
He said the association was yet to receive confirmations from Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Malawi.
“We have a minimal responsibility ahead of the championship and since the BWF will give us a grant towards preparations, our job is to organise medals because each participating country must cater for its expenses,” he said.