By Twink Jones Gadama
The Malawi National Sports Council (MNCS) recently hosted its annual awards ceremony, recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and organizations in the country. The event, held at the Bingu International Convention Center, was a night to remember as the best and brightest in Malawian sports were honored for their contributions to the sporting community.
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of junior athletes who have shown exceptional talent and dedication to their respective sports. Victoria Mkwala, a member of the U15 Girls Team, was awarded Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year for her impressive performances on the field. On the male side, Chimwemwe Smith, a talented swimmer, took home the Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year award, showcasing his skills in the pool.
The awards ceremony also shone a spotlight on athletes with disabilities, honoring Hanna Winnesi for her achievements in tennis and Mphatso Saukire for his success as a Paralympic athlete. These athletes exemplify the spirit of determination and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring others to reach their full potential regardless of challenges.
In the category of Sportsman of the Year, Yamikani Guba, a skilled Taekwondo athlete, was recognized for his outstanding performances throughout the year. Likewise, Temwa Chawinga, a talented sportswoman, was named Sportswomen of the Year for her remarkable accomplishments in her sport.
Special recognition was also given to non-citizens who have made a significant impact on Malawian sports. Calisto Pasuwa, from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, was named Non-citizen of the Year for his contributions to the sporting community in the country.
The awards ceremony also acknowledged the achievements of teams and organizations in the sports community. The Scorchers, Malawi’s national team, were named National Team of the Year for their exceptional performances in international competitions. The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) was recognized as the Sports Association of the Year, highlighting their efforts to promote and develop sports in the country.
In addition to honoring athletes and teams, the MNCS awards also paid tribute to individuals who play crucial roles behind the scenes. Enes Gumbo was named Umpire/Referee/Judge of the Year, while James Chiutsi, President of the Malawi Paralympic Committee, was awarded Sports Administrator of the Year for his dedication to promoting sports for athletes with disabilities.
The awards ceremony also recognized the efforts of media organizations in promoting sports in the country. Mibawa Television was named Sports Media House of the Year for its coverage of sporting events and its role in showcasing the achievements of Malawian athletes.
Coaches were also celebrated for their role in shaping the next generation of athletes. Lovemore Fazili was named Coach of the Year for his passion and dedication to training and mentoring athletes in his sport.
One of the standout moments of the evening was the recognition of the best-executed sports program of the year. Para Sport against Stigma was honored for its innovative approach to using sports as a tool to combat stigma and discrimination in society.
The Chairman’s Award was presented to the Malawi Defence Force and FDH Bank PLC for their contributions to the sports community, as well as to James Chiutsi for his individual achievements and dedication to promoting sports in the country.
In a fitting conclusion to the awards ceremony, Temwa Chawinga was named Sports Personality of the Year, capping off a night of celebration and recognition of excellence in Malawian sports. The MNCS awards not only honored the achievements of athletes and sports organizations but also served as a reminder of the power of sports to unite communities, inspire individuals, and drive positive change in society.
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