Zambia’s sporting excellence is once again in the spotlight as the country prepares for the Zambia Annual Sports Awards set to take place in Livingstone this Friday. This year’s nominations highlight a mix of established champions and rising stars who have delivered outstanding performances on both local and international stages. Mixed martial arts fighter Miracle Chipito has secured a nomination for sportswoman of the year, while boxer Patrick Chinyemba leads the men’s category. The recognition reflects a year of hard work, discipline, and achievement for these athletes, who continue to raise Zambia’s profile in global sport. With multiple disciplines represented, the awards celebrate not only individual success but also the growth and diversity of sports in the country.
Miracle Chipito’s nomination follows an impressive run that has cemented her status as one of Zambia’s top female athletes. She won a silver medal at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, a result that placed her among the best fighters in her category worldwide. Her achievements did not go unnoticed at home, as she was honoured by President Hakainde Hichilema with the Insignia for Meritorious Achievement during the Independence Day Investiture Ceremony at State House. This recognition highlighted her contribution to national pride and her role in inspiring young athletes. Chipito now faces strong competition in the sportswoman of the year category from chess player Constance Mbatha and rugby player Lushumo Liwena, both of whom have also delivered notable performances.
In the men’s category, Patrick Chinyemba stands out after securing a bronze medal at the 2025 World Boxing Championship. His consistency in the ring and ability to compete at a high level internationally have made him a strong contender for the top award. Chinyemba will compete against swimmer Zach Moyo and chess player Thomas Zulu, who have also shown excellence in their respective sports. The diversity in this category reflects Zambia’s expanding presence across different sporting disciplines. Each nominee brings a unique achievement to the table, making the competition both tight and exciting ahead of the awards ceremony.
The future of Zambian sport is also well represented through the young athlete categories. In the young sportsman of the year category, Kombe Mabo Junior from tennis, Frank Nkhata from athletics, and Rafael Sharon from chess have been recognized for their promising performances. On the women’s side, Jane Chimwanga in world fitness, Vankhedekar Nikhil Nitya in chess, and swimmer Kira Haabazoka are nominated for young sportswoman of the year. These nominations highlight the country’s investment in youth development and the emergence of new talent ready to compete on bigger stages. By recognizing young athletes, the awards encourage continued growth and dedication among the next generation of sports stars.
The Zambia Annual Sports Awards serve as a platform to celebrate excellence, inspire future athletes, and recognize the efforts behind each achievement. This year’s nominees reflect determination, resilience, and the ability to compete at the highest level across various disciplines. Miracle Chipito and Patrick Chinyemba lead a strong field of athletes who have brought pride to the nation through their performances. As the ceremony approaches, anticipation continues to build around who will take top honors. Regardless of the final results, these athletes have already made a significant impact, reinforcing Zambia’s position as a growing force in international sport.