Zambia-Japan Handball Friendly Match

　 　   　　　

　On Saturday, 18^th March, 2017, the Handball Association of Zambia (HAZ) hosted Zambia-Japan Handball Friendly Match, which took place at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC), Lusaka. HAZ planed the competition in order to express its gratitude to Japan for the visit to Japan of the Under 20 Zambian team in December, 2016. Their visit became possible with the kind donation from Japanese people and was implemented as a Zambia-Japan Zikomo project, which was recognised as a “Sport for Tomorrow” project by the Government of Japan.

　The Japanese team of 11 players consisting of diplomats, JICA officials and volunteers, and members of NGOs and companies defeated the Zambian team including the executives of the Handball Association of Zambia (HAZ) by 18-7 in the friendly match.

　Around 200 people including about 100 young Zambian and child handball players attended the event, and enjoyed the very exciting match. In addition, JICA volunteers performed Soran Dance (a traditional Japanese dance) before the match, which enlivened the atmosphere.

　At the opening ceremony, HAZ President Victor Banda commended the friendly bilateral relationship between Zambia and Japan, expressed his gratitude to the many Japanese communities for the support rendered to his association for the Zikomo project and expressed his determination to endeavour to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Mr. Prichard Siyakwayi, representing the Under 20 team which toured Japan, thanked the Japanese community for giving his team an opportunity to visit the country. He mentioned that his team had been pleased with the Japanese hospitality. He said he would like take advantage of his experience in Japan to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

　Building upon this event, it is hoped that Zambian handball activities become more vigorous with target of participating in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

　　To read the speech made by Ambassador Sobashima at this event, please click here.