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Zambian sprinter Muzala Samukonga is set for a grand hero's welcome in Lusaka after his Olympic 400m success.
Olympics 400m bronze medalist Muzala Samukonga is set to receive a hero's welcome in Lusaka on Tuesday afternoon.
The 21-year-old, who also holds the title of Commonwealth champion, has captured the hearts of Zambians with his stellar athletics achievements, culminating in his third-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Samukonga will arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at 14:30 hours via Qatar Airways where he will be met by government officials, fellow athletes, and throngs of adoring fans.
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The Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts has organized a grand procession to celebrate his accomplishments, inviting Zambians to show up in large numbers, proudly wearing their national colors.
“The procession will begin from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) upon arrival of our hero at 1430 hours via Qatar Airways,” read a statement from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts.
“The reception will also involve our beloved athletes who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where they performed exceptionally well, including winning of a medal by Muzala Samukonga in the 400m.”
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The celebration is expected to continue throughout Lusaka, with the procession following a route from KKIA through Great East Road, Cairo Road, Independence Avenue, Alick Nkhata Road, and Danny Pule Road, before concluding at NASDEC.
The festivities at NASDEC will feature artistic performances and speeches from dignitaries and fellow athletes.
“We, therefore, request the general public to turn up in numbers and welcome our Champion and give a thunderous reception to other heroes and heroines,” the Ministry added.
“We further request that the public be in Zambian colors as they join the procession.”
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Samukonga's triumphant return follows his recent performance at the Brussels Diamond League final, where he secured third place in a competitive field.
Earlier in the season, he made headlines with a blistering 44.39-second victory in the men’s 400m at the Rome Diamond League, where he defeated world-class athletes such as Grenada's Kirani James and the United States' Bryce Deadmon.
His consistency and determination have firmly established him as one of the top contenders in the 400m sprint.
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However, Samukonga’s journey to global stardom has not been without its challenges.
After a race in the Lausanne Diamond League, he faced criticism on social media, with detractors questioning his performance and personal choices.
Despite the negativity, the young sprinter has remained resilient, using the experience as a stepping stone in his development both on and off the track.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Samukonga has also emerged as a vocal advocate for Zambian athletes.
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Earlier this year, he penned an open letter that brought attention to the financial difficulties faced by athletes in Zambia, calling on the government to provide better support for those representing the nation on the global stage.
His plea resonated with many shedding light on the hardships behind the glory of international competition.
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