Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda has hailed security agencies in the country for playing a key role in promoting sports.

He said this on Monday in Lilongwe when he launched the week-long  Inter-Defence and Security Agencies Sports Festival  at the Bingu National Stadium.

Chimwendo Banda interacts with match officials before the start of the games

The minister, who was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire, also commended the Malawi Defence Force for hatching the initiative, saying this should act as a model to civilian institutions.

Said Chimwendo Banda: “Sports has been stagnating for a long time, but despite that, security agencies in the country have been contributing immensely towards sports development.

“There are five security institutions’ teams, namely Red Lions, Mafco, Moyale, Kamuzu Barracks and Blue Eagles in the Super League. That speaks volumes. Then we have athletes like Asimenye Simwaka, who is doing well at international level. You really are doing a great job in complementing government’s efforts to develop sports in the country.”

The minister said the festival will act as a pool to have more talent and, in turn, it will benefit the country.

Taking his turn, MDF Commander General Vincent Nundwe said as security organs, they wanted to lead by example in reviving sports in the country.

He said: “This is the inaugural tournament, but we will be having this on annual basis. Apart from competing, this offers a platform for the officers taking part to know each other and share knowledge.

“We are here to compete and entertain. I am urging all participantsto exercise discipline and sportsmanship.”

The Army Commander also thanked companies and organisations that have sponsored the event.

The companies and organisations include Medical Aid Society of Malawi, Prime Insurance, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi, University of Malawi and Standard Bank Malawi plc.

The opening ceremony was marked with a flyover of MDF helicopters displaying flags of all the security organs taking part.

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