The Government has called on Tanzanian athletes to shift their mindset and begin targeting international records instead of focusing mainly on defeating local competitors, in a move aimed at raising competitiveness and improving the country’s performance in major global athletics competitions.
The appeal was made by Senior Sports Officer at the National Sports Council (NSC) , Charles Maguzu, during the closing ceremony of the National Athletics Championships held at Filbert Bayi Stadium in Kibaha, Coast Region.
Maguzu said Tanzanian athletes must start measuring their performance against international standards in every race they compete in, rather than concentrating on beating fellow athletes within the country.
He stressed that true progress in athletics comes when athletes are able to compete with global timing benchmarks, which are essential for success in international competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
“Do not think only about winning locally. Think about winning outside the country. When you are competing, compare your times with international records so that you can build the ability to reach world-class standards,” Maguzu said.
He added that the Government will continue working closely with sports associations to identify, nurture, and develop talent through school competitions and national tournaments.
He further urged sports associations and federations to ensure that athletes discovered through school sports programmes such as UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA are properly supported and developed into elite athletes.
Maguzu also commended the Shirikisho la Riadha Tanzania (RT) for the strong organisation of the championships, saying the event was among the best athletics competitions he has witnessed since joining the National Sports Council four years ago.
He praised the coordination and commitment shown by organisers, noting that the smooth execution of the championships reflected growing professionalism in the country’s athletics structure.
In addition, Maguzu extended appreciation to regional leaders, parents, referees, sponsors, and journalists for their contribution to the success of the event.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continuing support for athletics development in Tanzania, particularly in strengthening talent identification systems and improving competition standards.
On his part, the President of the Shirikisho la Riadha Tanzania (RT), Rogath Stephen, said the success of the championships was the result of strong collaboration between regional authorities, sponsors, media, and various stakeholders in the sport.
Stephen said the federation’s leadership has prioritized the identification and nurturing of young talent as a foundation for building a new generation of athletes who can represent Tanzania successfully on the international stage.
Veteran athlete and sports icon Filbert Bayi also expressed gratitude to the Government, sponsors, and all participants for ensuring the success of the championships held at the stadium named in his honor.
Bayi emphasized the importance of consistently using Filbert Bayi Stadium as a hub for major athletics competitions, saying it provides an ideal environment for discovering and nurturing emerging talent while improving national performance standards.
He said regular high-level competitions at the venue would help young athletes gain exposure, build confidence, and gradually bridge the gap between national and international performance levels.
The championships concluded with renewed calls for stronger investment in athletics infrastructure, coaching, and athlete development programs, as stakeholders agreed that Tanzania has the potential to produce world-class athletes if talent is properly supported and guided from the grassroots level to elite competition.
