The Radisson Blu Hotel in Livingstone is set to host the 2025 Zambia Annual Sports Awards (ZASA), an event that recognises and celebrates the country’s top athletes and sports performers. This year marks a historic shift as the awards move from their traditional Lusaka venue to the tourist city of Livingstone, reflecting a broader national effort to decentralize major events. The move underscores a commitment to promoting inclusivity and showcasing Zambia’s diverse regions while providing a platform for local communities to engage with national sports achievements. By honouring athletes across various sports federations, the awards aim to highlight excellence, inspire emerging talent, and strengthen Zambia’s sporting culture. This year’s ceremony promises to be a milestone in recognising the dedication and skill of Zambian sportspeople.
The National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) has emphasized the significance of hosting the awards outside Lusaka. CEO Sombwa Musunsa explained that the decision aligns with government policies promoting decentralisation and regional engagement. Moving the event to Livingstone allows a wider audience to participate and experience a national celebration of sports excellence. It also provides an opportunity to spotlight the city as a centre for major events, leveraging its status as a tourist destination to create economic and social benefits. By engaging local communities in national sports initiatives, the awards foster greater interest in athletic development and inspire youth participation across the country.
The 2025 ZASA will honour athletes, coaches, and sports administrators who have demonstrated exceptional performance, dedication, and professionalism over the past year. Awards will span multiple disciplines, recognising achievements in football, athletics, basketball, swimming, and other sports. Beyond individual accolades, the ceremony will celebrate teamwork, leadership, and contributions to sports development, reflecting the broader impact of athletics on national pride and community development. The event also serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among sports stakeholders, encouraging the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve performance and governance in Zambian sports. This inclusive approach ensures that recognition extends beyond high-profile athletes to emerging talents and supporting personnel.
Hosting the awards in Livingstone highlights the city’s growing prominence as a hub for national and international events. The decision demonstrates a commitment to promoting regional equity, encouraging local tourism, and stimulating economic activity. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of participants, media, and spectators, further enhancing the city’s profile as a destination for high-profile events. This approach reinforces the importance of linking sports recognition with broader development objectives, including job creation, community engagement, and regional promotion. By decentralising national ceremonies, Zambia is fostering greater inclusivity and access for citizens outside the capital.
The 2025 Zambia Annual Sports Awards in Livingstone signals a new era in celebrating athletic excellence across the country. By taking the ceremony to a major regional city, organisers are demonstrating a commitment to national inclusivity, regional development, and community engagement. The awards will not only honour outstanding athletes and sports professionals but also inspire future generations to pursue sports with dedication and discipline. Through this initiative, Zambia continues to strengthen its sporting culture, enhance national pride, and promote equitable opportunities for recognition and development. The event is poised to leave a lasting impact on both the athletes it celebrates and the communities it engages.