National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Alfred Foloko has hailed swimmer Kira Habazoka following her recent triumph as Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

Speaking during the ongoing Zambia National Age Group Championships, Foloko said Habazoka’s success is a testament to the growing strength of swimming in the country and the effectiveness of structured youth development pathways.

The championships, currently being hosted at OYDC Zambia and organized by the Zambia Swimming Union (ZASU), have attracted young swimmers from across Zambia, providing a competitive platform to showcase emerging talent.

Foloko commended ZASU for successfully staging the three-day event, emphasizing that such competitions are critical in nurturing future champions. He also paid tribute to parents for their unwavering support, noting that their role remains key in the development of young athletes.

The NOCZ President further encouraged other sports federations to embrace swimming as a complementary discipline, highlighting its value in improving fitness, discipline, and overall athletic performance, while strengthening youth participation in sport across the country.