Kagwa, Mchochoma shine in PIS weightlifting tourney
Noel Kagwa and Alinafe Mchochoma came out triumphant in the 2013 Presidential Initiative for Sports (PIS) weightlifting tournament held at Lilongwe Golf Club (LGC) on Saturday.
Kagwa won the 62 kilogrammes (kgs) snatch, clean and jerk men’s category whereas Mchochoma won the 53 kgs women category
What captured the attention of spectators and Weightlifting Association of Malawi (WAM) officials was the ease and precision in which the two performed.
“The two have potential to go very far in this sport. They have demonstrated professionalism and discipline. We are confident they will represent us well at the 2014 Commonwealth Games,” said national weightlifting coach Chimwemwe Bakali.
The tournament drew 26 weightlifters from all regions in the country.
The ladies competed in only the 53 kgs category and Mchochoma’s runner-up was Bianca Lipato while Lesphar Besiano was third.
In the 62 kgs, Emmanuel Mbewe was second and Shaib Ali was third.
Emmanuel Muhuwa won the 77 kgs men’ category, Charles Moloka was second and Gift Kosam was third. In the 69 kgs, Peter Kalitsilo was the winner, Thoko Kakhobwe was second and John Phiri finished third.
Alan Mphote won the 56 kgs men’s category, followed by Samson Chitawo while Sinta Kalimba came third.
Principal secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports John Kaoche said he was very impressed with the tournament.
“It was worthwhile being here. This is one of the most entertaining individual sports. We saw great competition today and there is really potential of weightlifting in Malawi. As government, we encourage individual sports because they build self-esteem,” he said.
WAM president Richard Kuwali thanked government for the support it is rendering to the sport.
