Celebration of national sports great strides

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania marks 63rd Independence Anniversary, the nation reflects on its steady progress in sports development.

Under the leadership of Fifth Phase Government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, efforts to motivate and inspire athletes and sports bodies have gained momentum, resulting in significant achievements in various disciplines.

Going back to the history books, Tanzania’s only team sport to qualify for the Olympic Games remains hockey, with the national team participating in the Moscow Olympics in 1980.

This historic feat came 20 years after independence and remains a source of pride. The team, managed by Canada-based Tarlochan Sandhu and led by captain Abraham Sykes (also a former chairman of Tanzania Hockey Association-THA), included players like Major (rtd) Sigori Tomas, Taher Kitisa and Onali Salem.

Despite the long hiatus, Kaushik Doshi, Chairman of the Tanzania Hockey Association (THA) and Executive Board member of the Africa Hockey Federation (AHF), remains optimistic.

He believes that with the current youth development plans, Tanzania has a chance to restore its hockey legacy and qualify for future Olympic Games.

Cricket: Rising priority sport

In a significant shift, Tanzania has officially recognised cricket as a priority sport. The Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA), led by Chairman Balakrishan Sreekumar, has spearheaded initiatives to promote the game nationally.

These efforts include launching a school development programme to identify and nurture young talent.

Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, highlighted the government’s commitment by identifying 56 sports schools with facilities for cricket training.

The sport will also be introduced in the Inter-Secondary Schools Games (UMISETA) and Inter-Primary Schools Games (UMITASHUMTA) starting in 2026.

Sreekumar, with support from the Cricket Legends Reunion Group of Tanzania, has been praised for elevating the sport’s profile.

The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics that will be played in a Twenty20 format, presents a timely opportunity for Tanzania to shine on the global stage. Cricket was last played in the Olympics in 1900.

The current efforts are the ideal platform for building a strong national team ready for an Olympic-qualified battle

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Golf: Expanding opportunities

Golf is also gaining attraction, with plans to incorporate it into the Inter-Primary and Secondary School Games (UMITASHUMTA and UMISETA).

Minister Ndumbaro proposed this initiative, which received approval from Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. The programme will initially involve students from regions with golf courses, with plans to extend training to other areas.

Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) Chairman Gilman Kasiga commended the government’s initiative, emphasising the potential to groom future golfing talents.

He said a plan is already underway to develop well-equipped trainers who will oversee the school’s junior development programmes.

Obstacle Course Racing: Breaking new ground

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) has emerged as a new frontier for Tanzanian sports.

Athlete Mwahija Kisoma recently earned the prestigious Trifecta status after her third participation in Spartan Beast competitions in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Her success marks a milestone, as Tanzania gains recognition in this internationally acclaimed sport.

Kisoma’s achievements open doors for Tanzania’s participation in qualifying events for the 2028 Olympics, particularly in Modern Pentathlon, which incorporates OCR.

OCR’s inclusion highlights the country’s potential to nurture athletes for future global competitions.

Nayibe Statia, Chairperson of the World Obstacle Technical Officiating Committee Board, highlighted the promising future of Obstacle Sports Adventure Racing in Tanzania after hosting the first-ever Official Level 1 OCR Technical Officials (TO) in Dar es Salaam in mid-September this year.

Statia, who is also an International Sport Obstacles (FISO) instructor, was impressed with Tanzania after conducting the country’s OCR Technical Officials on which Kisoma was among 50 participants.

She said Tanzania is blessed with excellent natural resources that can be harnessed to develop competitive athletes capable of shining on the international stage or even hosting international competitions.

OCR is a fantastic sport, not only does it build endurance, Statia was quoted as saying: “I have seen African countries produce world-class athletes who have succeeded on the global stage. I believe Tanzania has the same potential to thrive in this sport and maybe even win Olympic medals if the sport is taken seriously.”

A bright future ahead

As Tanzania continues its journey of sports development, the government and sports associations are setting a strong foundation for success.

With focused investments in cricket, golf, OCR and youth development to mention a few, the country is poised to reclaim its legacy and achieve new heights in the international sports arena.