The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) has decided to withdraw a significant portion of team Zambia from participating in the second edition of the African Beach Games scheduled to take place in Tunisia from 23rd to 30th June, 2023.
In a statement issued by NOCZ President Alfred Foloko, the committee decided to withdraw the Air Badminton, Beach Handball male and Beach Volleyball female teams from the Hammamet games due to the inability to secure timely air tickets for the team’s travel to Tunisia.
“We sincerely express our regret for this unfortunate turn of events, especially on the impact to the stakeholders, athletes, coaches and game managers who dedicated their time to prepare for the African Beach Games,” Mr. Foloko said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Foloko revealed that the committee will now turn its focus to the Teqball team whose travel arrangements were properly managed by its respective federation, saying that the team is already in Hammamet.
“Our utmost focus and attention shall be directed to the Teqball team,” Mr. Foloko said.
Mr. Foloko further pledged commitment to the supporting athletes and ensuring optimal performance in future sporting events.
In March 2023, Zambia confirmed its participation at the second edition of the beach games to compete in three sports codes as they emarked as qualifiers to World Beach Games to be held in August this year.