HH tips Paralympics envoy Munga

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is confident that Zambia’s only Paralympics envoy Monica Munga will win the country’s first Paralympics medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Hichilema urged Zambians to rally behind Munga who will be competing in the women's 400 metre track T13 classification at the Tokyo Games.

“I wish to recognise Monica Munga, Zambia's only representative at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“I am hopeful she will win Zambia's first Paralympic medal, and therefore ask the nation to rally behind Monica, and remember her in our prayers as we wish her the very best,” Hichilema said.

The Paralympic Games will run up to September 5 with Munga participating in the 400 meters race on September 2.

Meanwhile, the sight-impaired albino athlete from Chipata, Munga is hoping of making the country proud.

"Training and camping was successful and I pray I come back home with a medal so that Zambia shines as well,' Munga said in one of the interviews before she left Zambia for Tokyo.

And Munga’s coach Chrispin Mwale said the athlete is physically and mentally prepared for the Olympics.

"We are going to Tokyo to win a medal. The athlete is fit and she does not have any injury. All we need is your support as she competes on September 2," Mwale said.

Over 4, 400 Paralympians from 162 teams will compete in the 13-day Games, with 539 gold medals up for grabs across 22 sports disciplines.