MOST POPULAR SPORTS IN ZAMBIA

Sports are the most common unifying culture for the Zambian people. Sports is a very common language for almost every human being around the globe However, not all kind of sports are popular in each country or continent. Each nation just like individuals has their choice of popular African sports. Some of these sports are not even not played in other countries.  Sports is a passion in the continent and for her people.  Several sports are played in Zambia and the continent Africa, is indeed blessed with all sports weather except winter games.

List of The Most Popular Zambian Sports

• Soccer

• Running (Athletics)

• Volleyball

• Basketball

• Rugby

• Golf

• Tennis

• Swimming

The article below give an overview of the top ten popular sports in Zambia and their status and is based on the number of fans the game has.  Some sportss are more active than others.

1.Soccer

Zambia’s premier national team was founded in 1973 and they were the team, that perished in 1993 Garbon plan crush. The Zambian Soccer team made their first appearance in the World Cup finals and has three Africa Cup of Nations final appearances to its credit in 1934.  Currently, several African teams have succeeded in the World Cup.  This Popular Zambian Sport has been putting Zambia on the international map. More especially after wining Africa Cup of Nations, in the 2012 final against Ivory Coast.  Soccer is a sport for almost everyone in Zambia and Africa is no exception.

2.Running (Athletics)

Several people participate in running, and most of them hope to make it to the Olympics.  There are several marathons, races, and competitions that take place throughout the year.  Zambian athletes also participate in international races and competitions where they often emerge as second winners.

Most young people actively take part in running at local schools. In Zambia, No school sports program is complete without athletics. Other than football, athletics is a sport that has the fiercest competition in the  African countries.

3.Volleyball

The sport is played in several schools and government institutions in the continent.  Volleyball, just like other ball games has a firm footing on the continent. The country hosts several championships which schools and youth’s can prove their prowess.  There are programs that people can use to horn young talent.

4.Basketball

In Zambia,  several residential areas have a basket baller. Even though, Zambia has no professional basketball player who joined the NBA Development League.  The game attracts several fans. Several young Zambian boys and girls love Basketball.

You’ll find youth wearing NBA stars emblazoned hoods, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and vests etc. Many schools also have basketball training facilities to help young basketball players polish their skills.

5.Rugby

Rugby is another one of Zambians most Popular Sport. Diggers Rugby team is an internationally recognized team. Most institutions especially colleges, universities and high schools offer training amenities to encourage more people to take up the sport. This team competes with South African and Botwana in several Series.

6.Golf

Many people outside the continent don’t think Zambia as a country of golfers.  Most golf tourists worldwide prefer Zambia as their destination.  Most towns have mine golf clubs designed by renowned pros hence earning Zambia a reputation as one of the top-class golf destinations been Nchanga golf club home to rival Europe or North America.

7.Tennis

Zambia is struggling to produce top-level professional players in tennis.  However, aspiring stars have chances to participate in tournaments where they gain experience and find exposure.

 8.Swimming

Zambia is endowed with rivers and lakes. People who dwell along these water bodies may be some of the strongest swimmers in the world. Despite this, Zambia has some promising talent in the sport with countries like South Africa and Kenya doing well on the international stage especially in the Commonwealth Games. The country did not sustain an active swimming culture due to various social, economic and political factors.

Conclusion

The younger generation emulates football stars like Rainford Kalaba and Sunzu.  Zambia has made huge strides in sports.  Africa still lags behind and has a long way to go before most of its countries can establish sports academies like the ones in developed countries. Several local sports teams of Popular African Sports have been used to bring the continents together, educate the public on matters affecting them and encourage the youth to take up sports.

Source: www.echomusicblog.co