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Tanzania's Olympic Committee Commends Youth Squad Ahead of Africa Youth Games

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 6:22 GMT by The Citizen
      Locale: TANZANIA UNITED REPUBLIC OF

Tanzania’s Olympic Committee Commends Youth Squad Ahead of Africa Youth Games in Angola

The 2025 African Youth Games, slated to be held in Luanda, Angola, are fast approaching, and Tanzania’s National Olympic Committee (ONC) is giving its young athletes a resounding vote of confidence. In a spirited press briefing on Thursday, the ONC highlighted the strengths of the Tanzanian contingent, praised the preparation that has gone into the squad’s training, and set high expectations for a strong medal haul. The announcement, which was covered by The Citizen on March 20, 2025, comes after the government’s latest funding boost for sports and the growing enthusiasm surrounding the Games.

A Contingent Built on Talent and Determination

The Tanzanian delegation will feature 38 athletes—22 men and 16 women—representing the country in 12 sports, ranging from athletics and swimming to badminton and judo. The athletes were selected through a rigorous qualification process that included regional trials and national championships. The ONC notes that the roster is the most diverse and well-rounded the country has ever assembled for a continental multi‑sport event.

Athletics: At the core of the squad is a group of sprinters and distance runners who have posted competitive times in recent continental meets. According to the ONC’s technical director, Ms. Amina Mnyika, “our track and field athletes are not only physically ready but mentally prepared. They have shown consistent improvement in the last two years and are ready to take on the best on the continent.”

Swimming and Aquatics: Swimming is a growing sport in Tanzania, and the ONC is proud of the two male and one female swimmer who have achieved the minimum qualifying standards for the Games. The athletes, hailing from the newly upgraded Morogoro Aquatics Centre, have already been training in partnership with a German coaching team.

Combat Sports and Team Sports: The Judo and Badminton squads are expected to give their best to improve the country’s standing in the medal table. “We have a strong tradition in Judo that has yet to be fully harnessed at the youth level,” said the Judo Federation president, Mr. Emmanuel Mbaga. The basketball and football teams are also part of the delegation, each with 12 members.

The ONC’s Message of Support and Pride

During the briefing, the ONC’s chairman, Mr. Patrick Mbaga, delivered a heartfelt message that resonated with athletes, coaches, and the media alike. “This is a moment of pride for Tanzania,” he said. “Our young athletes have shown remarkable resilience and dedication. They have trained tirelessly in local tracks, in the open air of the savannah, and even on makeshift courts in the towns.”

He further noted that the ONC has worked closely with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Recreation to secure additional sponsorships and training facilities. “We have been able to secure a partnership with the national bank to support logistics and travel expenses,” Mbaga added. He emphasized that the government’s recent sports development plan, which aimed to increase investment by 15% in the next five years, is already paying dividends.

“Every athlete’s journey is a reflection of the collective will of our community,” the chairman continued. “We have witnessed them push their limits and break records, both national and continental. Their hard work exemplifies the Olympic spirit and the values of discipline, unity, and excellence.”

The Games: A Platform for Future Stars

The African Youth Games—also known as the African Youth Olympic Games—are scheduled to take place from August 7 to August 15 in Luanda. The event features athletes aged between 15 and 18 years from across the continent, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and gain international experience. It also serves as a stepping stone to the upcoming African Games and the Youth Olympic Games.

The ONC’s spokesperson, Ms. Jane Rweike, said that the Games are an excellent opportunity for Tanzania to benchmark its performance against regional peers. “The competition will be fierce, especially from North African and West African nations that have well-established youth sports programs,” she explained. “But we have confidence in our athletes’ ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.”

She also highlighted the role of the Games in fostering cultural exchange and sportsmanship. “Our athletes will interact with peers from various African cultures, sharing experiences and building lifelong friendships,” Ms. Rweike added.

Linking to the Bigger Picture: From the African Youth Games to the Olympic Dream

The article also referenced the African Youth Games’ official website, where readers can find detailed schedules, athlete profiles, and live coverage. The ONC is encouraging Tanzanian fans to support their athletes by following the event through official broadcasters and social media channels. The official social media accounts for the Games (e.g., @AFYOG2025 on Twitter and Facebook) provide real-time updates, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes content.

Moreover, The Citizen linked to the Tanzanian Olympic Committee’s website, which offers comprehensive information about its programs, initiatives, and future projects. The ONC’s “Youth Development Initiative” (YDI) is highlighted on the site, outlining a partnership with international NGOs to strengthen grassroots training facilities and provide coaching clinics across rural districts.

A Call to Action for the Nation

In closing, the ONC’s message was not just an assessment of readiness—it was a call to action for the nation. “We invite every Tanzanian to rally behind our athletes,” Mr. Mbaga urged. “Your cheers from home, your support on social media, and your encouragement during the Games are vital. They add to the athletes’ morale and give them the confidence to perform at their best.”

The ONC’s president concluded by reminding the public that the African Youth Games are more than a sporting event—they are a showcase of Tanzania’s potential and a testament to the collective spirit that can unite a nation. “Let us stand behind our youths, for in their success lies our country’s future in sports,” he said.

What’s Next?

Tanzania’s delegation is scheduled to leave for Angola on August 3, giving them a few days to acclimate, finalize their training, and settle into the athletes’ village. The ONC is monitoring their performance closely, with a view to applying lessons learned to future competitions such as the 2026 Youth Olympics in Paris.

Readers interested in following the Games can keep an eye on The Citizen for real‑time reports, interview series, and post‑competition analyses. The official African Youth Games website will also feature a dedicated Tanzanian athlete spotlight, providing deeper insight into individual stories and achievements.

In a nutshell, the ONC’s lauding of the Tanzanian team reflects a blend of optimism, gratitude, and strategic focus. With robust preparation, institutional support, and the passion of a nation behind them, Tanzania’s youth athletes are poised to leave their mark on the African Youth Games and, ultimately, on the global sports stage.