ZAMBIA’S BRONZE BONANZA
….as Catherine Mwape shatters the glass ceiling to become Zambia’s first female Commonwealth boxing medalist
TEAM Zambia has officially made its mark at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after fighters Catherine Mwape and Emmanuel Katema clinched the nation’s first two medals from the boxing ring.
The double podium finish has ignited widespread celebration across Zambia.
It highlights the country’s rich historical dominance in international boxing.
Mwape etched her name into the sporting folklore of her country becaming the first Zambian female boxer to secure a medal at either the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games.
Competing in the Women’s 54kg division, Mwape navigated a grueling tournament path.
She showcased immense technical skill and resilience.
Her historic run culminated in a fiercely contested semi-final bout against Preeti Preeti of India.
Mwape settled for bronze after a spirited performance in the semi-final, where she was defeated by Preeti Preeti of India.
Despite a 5-0 unanimous points decision favouring her opponent, Mwape’s podium finish secured Zambia’s opening medal of the entire competition.
Minutes after Mwape’s historic feat, Zambia Army corporal Emmanuel Katema doubled the country’s joy.
He locked down a bronze medal in the Men’s 65kg category after reaching the medal brackets following an explosive quarter-final victory.
He defeated Malawi’s Elias Bonzo via a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) stoppage.
In the semi-final, Katema faced a hostile home crowd against England’s Patris Mughalzai.
The subsequent three-round slugfest was exceptionally close.
Katema lost by a 4–1 split decision (Win on Points) after three closely contested rounds, reported Zed Sport. Despite falling just short of the gold-medal match, his execution earned him a hard-fought bronze.- ALENDO SPORTS