Coast Region emerged as the overall champion of the 2024 Ladies First Athletics Championship, a two-day event that saw thrilling competition from Tanzania's top female athletes.
Held at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the championship showcased the athletic talent from all 31 regions of Tanzania, attracting 155 athletes in total.
The two-day contesting event was organized by the the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC) and was concluded with a closing ceremony officiated by Mr. Yanase Naoki, JICA's Director General of Africa department.
Coast Region claimed the gold medal and the overall champion title with outstanding performances across various track and field events. Sprint sensation Siwema Julius Matogolo led the region’s triumph by winning both the 100m and 200m races, displaying explosive speed and securing her place as one of Tanzania’s top sprinters. Her teammate Sharifa Mawazo dominated the 400m, while Sara Masalu took home the gold in the 800m, showcasing the strength and versatility of Pwani's athletes across short and middle distances.
Arusha Region followed as the silver medalist, relying on its long-distance runners to make an impact. Ernestina Mngole took the top position in the 5000m, and Naomi Giyenga claimed victory in the 10,000m, demonstrating stamina, endurance, and tactical pacing.
These long-distance victories helped Arusha secure critical points, placing them in the runner-up position with a well-rounded performance across the competition.
Mjini Magharibi Region captured the bronze medal, thanks to its strong relay team and a standout performance in the field events.
The 4x100m relay team, comprising Aisha Thani Abdallah, Salat Khatib Vuai, Pili Juma Mossi, and Sabra Iddy Makame, displayed excellent coordination and speed, securing a podium finish. In the javelin throw (mkuki), Tuma Makame contributed valuable points with a silver medal performance, showcasing her skill and helping Mjini Magharibi clinch third place overall.
The Ladies First Athletics Championship 2024 provided a platform to highlight the rising stars in Tanzanian women’s athletics. The event aimed to foster a culture of sports and inspire young female athletes across the nation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Yanase Naoki, JICA’s Director General of Africa, praised the athletes for their dedication and skill, emphasizing JICA's commitment to supporting sports development in Tanzania.
"Sport is a powerful tool that unites people, fosters discipline, and empowers individuals to achieve greatness. We are proud to partner with Tanzania in promoting women's athletics and nurturing future champions," Mr. Yanase stated.
The two-day event marked a significant step forward in advancing women’s sports in Tanzania, with competitive events from sprints to long-distance races and field events. Officials from Athletics Tanzania and NSC hailed the championship as a resounding success and called for continued support and investment in women’s athletics at both regional and national levels.
As Pwani takes the top honor, followed by Arusha and Mjini Magharibi, the Ladies First Athletics Championship 2024 has set a new standard for women’s athletics in the country. With strong performances and promising talent on display, Tanzania's female athletes are poised to make a lasting impact on the national and international athletic stage.
