The government has reaffirmed its optimism that the Women’s Athletics Championships will continue to uncover and nurture promising talent capable of representing Tanzania at national and international levels.
Speaking yesterday during the opening of the event at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium scheduled to conclude tomorrow Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, said the annual competition has become a key pipeline for producing future athletes for major global events such as the Commonwealth Games, African Championships and the Olympic Games.
“I commend JICA, the National Sports Council (BMT) and the Athletics Tanzania Federation (RT) for their commitment in organising this championship. This marks the seventh successful season,” Mwinjuma said.
He stressed the importance of encouraging more women to join sports in order to break long-held misconceptions about their role and capability in the sector.
Despite lower participation compared to men, he noted that Tanzanian women’s teams continue to perform impressively on the regional and global stage.
Among the notable achievements, Mwinjuma cited Twiga Stars, who qualified for the WAFCON finals; the Serengeti Girls, who reached the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup; and the Women’s National Futsal Team, which qualified for the World Cup to be held in the Philippines.
The President of the Athletics Tanzania Federation (RT), Rogath Stephen, said the championships have played a central role in advancing athletics development in the country.
He said the competition has discovered exceptional female athletes, including international star Magdalena Shauri, who currently holds the national record.
“I call on young athletes to follow this example. When you return to your regions, keep training with discipline and consistency so you can strengthen your talent,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council (BMT), Neema Msitha, said this year’s edition has brought together athletes from 31 regions of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, reflecting the growing national interest in women’s athletics.