Team Malawi won a total 32 medals at the just-ended 11th edition of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games in Namibia.
Seven of the medals were gold, 12 silver and the rest were bronze.
In the previous edition hosted in Lilongwe in December 2022, Malawi clinched 44 medals comprising eight were gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze. In 2022, Malawi finished on position six while this time the team has finished on position seven.
At this year’s edition, South Africa were the overall winners with 64 gold medals, 46 medals and 32 bronze.
Zimbabwe were runners -up with 21 gold, 27 silver and 42 bronze whereas hosts Namibia finished third with 21 gold, 27 silver and 42 bronze.
Despite the drop in medals, Malawi National Council of Sports chief executive officer Henry Kamata said they were impressed with the team’s performance.
He said: “Team Malawi has performed very well. We have collected 32 medals, including seven gold. This is an exceptional performance.”
Kamata attributed the team’s improved performance to, among others, adequate government funding and introduction of training camps for the athletes.
“We had four camps in preparation for the games during school holidays,” he said.
“We are changing the narrative of sports in the country so that Malawi should enjoy and be entertained by Malawi sport.
“This is a process that we will continue as we target 2040 Commonwealth Games and 2032 Olympics. We will continue investing in our youths as we develop athletes for tomorrow.”
Special Olympics were one of the outstanding performers after hauling six medals—two gold, four silver and one bronze.
Para-athletics also did well with five medals—one gold, two silver and two bronze.
E-sports got four medals—two gold and two silver.
Malawi Under-20 National Football Team also left a mark at the Games after winning silver in the Cosafa Cup.
The team for the first time since 2003 reached the final where they lost to South Africa.
Striker Mwisho Mhango was named Player of the Tournament and also won the Golden Boot Awards with five goals.
Meanwhile, Team Malawi arrived on Monday via Kamuzu International Airport.
