Zambian Athletics Why It Fell — And How to Revive It

Discover why Zambian athletics lost its spark and how schools, stars, andnew ideas could reignite passion for track and field. The comeback starts here.

Why Athletics Is Losing Popularity in Zambia and How to Bring It Back

Zambia once pulsed with the energy of packed stadiums and roaring crowds at local athleticmeets. Today, the excitement feels diferent. What happened to the country’s love for the track? In this article, let’s delve into the facts, hear from real people, and explore whether there’s a wayto reignite Zambia’s athletic spirit.

When Athletics Mattered Most

There was a time when Zambian athletics was truly alive Samuel Matete won an Olympicsilver medal, Prince Mumba was a national hero, and school stadiums were packed to capacity. Sports united, inspired, and made people root for them. Now that energy has died down a bit,but the interest is still there it’s just that the forms have changed. Some are feeling theexcitement again through live streams and live results, while others are making sports evenmore exciting with apps like Download MelBet APK. With it, you can follow thousands of eventsa day and be in the game, even sitting in the stands or at home! But what about athletics?

What’s Changing on the Ground

Over the past decade, Zambia’s athletics scene has undergone significant changes. More youthare turning away from the track, and funding looks diferent too. Let’s break it down in a quicktable:

These numbers speak volumes: fewer events, less money, and shrinking crowds. But what’shappening behind the scenes?

Voices from Athletes and Coaches

“In 2010, everyone came to every school championship, without exception,” says JosephineBanda, who now coaches in Lusaka. “Now, some schools don’t participate at all. There’s nomoney for travel or even basic spikes.” She speaks calmly, but there’s anxiety in her words.Although she’s not going to give up: “As long as they run, there’s hope.”

Sprinter Twaambo Mwansa adds: “Before, the competitions were shown on ZNBC, and welooked forward to them like a holiday. Now there’s silence. People don’t even know when thenational competitions are. Everything is at their own expense uniforms, transportation, andtraining camps. But that won’t stop us. The youth still want to run. We just need someone whowill believe in them again.”

Why Young People Choose Other Sports

Just twenty years ago, it seemed that athletics was the cornerstone of the school. The basicsport where everything begins. Schools, competitions, and training camps  running, jumping,relay races were almost an obligatory part of every teenager’s life. And it was hard to imaginethat anything could displace this foundation. But times have changed  and the tracks arerapidly emptying. Not because the desire for sports has disappeared, but because young peoplehave a choice. And more and more often, they choose not to track. Here’s why:

● Football gives more than just a ball: academies, scholarships, contracts with clubs both in Zambia and beyond. Even those who did not become stars from their youth havea chance to break through.

● E-sports is not a hobby, but a career: tournaments in Lusaka and Kitwe are alreadypaying up to 20,000 kwacha. A computer, quick reaction, and a little luck and you’reat the top without leaving your home.

● Basketball is rapidly gaining momentum: in five years, the number of teams has grown to38. But the number of track and field clubs has decreased by 40%. Young people aredrawn to where life is in full swing.

● Social networks are changing tastes and priorities: the feeds feature football players,gamers, and dunkers. There is almost no word about runners. And being “on trend” forGeneration Z means no less than winning.

● Young people need not only medals but also recognition: sports have become not just acompetition, but a platform for growth, earnings, and recognition. And in track and field,all of this has become less.

So today, the track is no longer a goal but rather a thing of the past. Talents have not goneanywhere. They just run in other directions.

The Role of Schools and Communities

Schools used to be the backbone of Zambian athletics. In the early 2000s, morning runs werethe norm, and Saturday competitions brought together the entire district. Sports became anevent for both children and adults. Some dreamed of becoming the next champion, otherswere simply happy not to have to sit at a desk. Athletics lived not on paper, but in real yardsand on dusty school tracks.Now everything is diferent. Budgets are being cut, and the priority is academic subjects or“money” sports. In rural schools, the tracks are overgrown with grass, and finding a teacher whounderstands at least a little about running is not an easy task. But the spark remains. Forexample, the children’s race in Kabwe gathers more than 700 participants every year. Peoplecome not for medals but for the atmosphere. Interest in sports remains strong. It has justbeen driven deep inside.

New Ideas to Spark a Comeback

Zambian athletics needs a breath of fresh air and a little courage. Why not restart schoolcompetitions with business support? Uniforms, sneakers all at the expense of sponsors forthose who reach the finals. And if you add street races in Lusaka, Ndola, and Livingstone,similar to those in Nairobi or Cape Town, the sport will become a holiday again. Put schooltournaments on TV and now unknown runners become heroes.

The digital side is also not superfluous. Live broadcasts on TikTok or Facebook minimumcosts, maximum attention. Thousands of eyes, including abroad. Former champions as coachescould revive the interest of young people. This is not a fantasy they have already startedtrying in Mazabuka and Choma. These are small steps, but they are in the right direction.

The Track Still Waits for New Dreams

The magic of the track is not lost forever. Zambia’s future champions are out there, running ondusty fields and dreaming of the finish line. All it takes is one big push, some bold ideas, and acommunity that cares. The echoes of cheering crowds are waiting to return let’s bringathletics back to life, step by step, and watch new dreams take flight.