By GODFREY DUBE and ADRIAN MWANZA –

SPORTS Minister Vincent Mwale says his ministry will continue focusing on improving the standards of sports so that the country wins medals at international sports events.
Speaking when he officiated at the Chinese Ambassadors Badminton tournament at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka yesterday, Mwale said Government was prioritising and supporting the development of individual sport which includes badminton.
“My ministry will continue focusing on improving the standards of sport and this will be with the view to win medals at high level competitive international competitions.
“May I take this opportunity to thank the Government of the People of China for sponsoring this year’s tournament, this shows true and dependable friendship,” Mwale said.
Mwale urged the participants to take the event seriously as it will assist in improving their skills and would offer them an opportunity to gauge their levels of competence to participate in future regional competitions.
He said the Sports Council of Zambia was being strengthened to ensure that sports associations are provided with necessary and adequate support in their efforts to improve the quality of sports in the country.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yangi Youming said this year’s tournament was interesting as the Government had continued to support sport in the country.
The Ambassador said his government would offer about 30-40 scholarships to Zambian students depending on the results, adding that the same would be done to the sports sector.
Meanwhile, 60 teams are taking part in the tournament which kicked off in Lusaka yesterday.
Badminton Zambia national treasurer, Justin Chuunka said the two-day tournament would be used as talent identification for selecting players to compete at the Africa Junior Championship to be held in July.
He said the Chinese Embassy has pumped in US$10,000 towards hosting of the event and that the winner will receive a $ 3,000.