Tanzania's contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland is set to be officially flagged off today in Dar es Salaam before departing for the multi-sport event scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2.
The Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) confirmed that the delegation comprises athletes, coaches and officials who will represent the country in athletics, boxing, judo and swimming.
Outgoing TOC Secretary General Filbert Bayi said the delegation would travel to Scotland in phases rather than as a single group.
He confirmed that outgoing TOC Vice President Henry Tandau will lead the team as Chef de Mission, but did not explain why the delegation's travel had been split into different groups.
"What I know is that the Tanzania team to the Scotland Commonwealth Games will be flagged off tomorrow (today) in Dar es Salaam, and the Chef de Mission is Henry Tandau. For more information, you can contact the National Sports Council," Bayi said.
A senior official at the National Sports Council (NSC), Aminiel Buberwa, also confirmed that the flag-off ceremony would take place today but said details, including the guest of honour, had yet to be announced.
"The team is expected to be flagged off tomorrow (today) in Dar es Salaam, but as of now I cannot disclose the name of the guest of honour at the ceremony," he said.
Tanzania will field 12 athletes across four sports.
The athletics squad includes Hamida Mussa, Josephat Gisemo, Sinda Daniel, Cecilia Panga, Winfrida Makenji and Ferdinand Rasisim.
The judo team comprises Andrew Mlungu and Ibrahim Hamisi, while the boxing team features Yusuph Changalawe, Issa Faki and Zawadi Amosi. Collins Saliboko will compete in swimming.
Tanzania has participated in the Commonwealth Games since making its debut in 1962, building a strong reputation particularly in distance running and boxing.
At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Tanzania ended a 16-year medal drought by winning one silver and two bronze medals. Long-distance runner Alphonce Felix Simbu claimed silver, while boxers Kassim Mbundwike and Yusuph Changalawe secured bronze medals.
The team will be aiming to build on that performance as Tanzania seeks another successful campaign in Scotland.
