By Mbongeni Vilakati
MBABANE – In an exciting development for the sporting community, at least 500 athletes are expected to compete in the regional championship of the Tinkhundla National Talent Search Competition.
This was said by the Athletics Eswatini President Zakhele Dlamini during the Tinkhundla National Talent Search Competition launch, that was held at Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Conference room in Lilunga House, Mbabane on Friday (July 12, 2024).
Speaking during the launch, Athletics Eswatini President and TZD Athletics Club Director Zakhele Myeni stated that they are expecting a high participation number in the competition. “Our target is to have at least 500 participants in the regional championship and 240 athletes in the national champions.” President Zakhele Myeni stated.
He went to state how the implementation of the tournament would be done. “The implementation of this project will see regional competitions where each constituency will bring a team of about thirty participants. From these regional events, we will select a regional team comprising of 10 men, 10 women, 20 boys and 20 girls. These athletes will compete in the national Championship, scheduled for August 31, 2024, at Somhlolo National Stadium, which we aim to select a national team of 20 athletes.” Dlamini said.
The president also highlighted that the event structure allows for high participation numbers and provide significant benefits for the training and development for the athletes. To ensure the successful implementation of the project, an organising committee, led by the Athletics Technical Team will be established and it will involve key stakeholders such as Eswatini National Sports and Recreation Council, the Parliament Sports Portfolio Committees and the representatives from the Tinkhundla.
Dlamini also expressed that the extensive series of events will not only increase participation in athletics but also provide a crucial platform for talent identification and development. He articulated that their main goal is to build strong and more competitive athletes who will proudly represent Eswatini on the global stage.
