The British High Commission on Friday evening treated the Malawi Commonwealth Games team to a dinner as part of the welcoming reception.

Speaking during the dinner, the British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie said the games brought athletes together in Birmingham to celebrate sporting success.

She said: “Not only that,  as well as celebrating the friendship shared throughout our vibrant global Commonwealth network.

“Every single one of you brought your best selves out in Birmingham.  Your fans here in Malawi and across the globe were following you closely and are so proud of you.”

The team poses for a group photo with Ritchie (7thR first row)
and Chimwendo (2ndR squatting)

Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda commended the High Commission for hosting the team, saying the gesture is a motivation for the athletes to do much better next time.

He said: “On 18 July we gathered at Sunbird Capital Hotel to send off the Malawi team as they were leaving for the United Kingdom to participate at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

“Today we are here welcoming the team back home. Let me thank the British High Commission for this welcoming dinner. We do not take this gesture for granted.”

Chimwendo appealed to Malawi Olympic Committee (Moc) to get back to work immediately.

He said: “My plea to MOC is that you should start preparations for the next competition now so that our performance can improve at such competitions. Malawi will be hosting the African Youth Games in December. Let us join hands now in preparing for effective hosting and participation of these Games.”

Chimwendo singled out athlete Asimenye Simwaka, describing her as a symbol of hope  for her excellent performance which saw her reach the finals of the 400 meters.

He said: “Finishing on such position at such a major competition is no mean achievement. We are proud of you.”

MOC president Jappie Mhango in a separate interview said games provided a learning experience despite the team not winning medals.

He said: “There are positives to be drawn. In boxing and judo  we reached quarterfinal with Luwis Zakeyu Mbewe and judoka Harriet Boniface doing well.

“That was unprecedented. Then in athletics, we witnessed  the exploits of  Asimenye’s [Simwaka] performance. For the first time we had a Malawi athlete reach the finals.

“She went on to finish sixth in the world on Commonwealth Games rankings. That’s a  great achievement in itself. It heralds good news to come. We just need to invest more in individual sport and we will reap the results.”

Malawi Queens finished seventh at the games.

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