Athletes attending the ongoing Malawi Sports Development Camp in Lilongwe have, for the first time, undergone comprehensive fitness assessments before commencing training, officials have disclosed.
The initiative aims to determine the suitability and readiness of each athlete selected for the camp.
According to Oscar Kanjala, a sports science lecturer at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, each athlete is subjected to up to 30 different tests designed to evaluate various aspects of their physical condition.
“It is similar to going to the hospital for a medical check-up to assess your health. We are doing the same with these athletes.
The objective is to provide coaches and technical officials with data that will help them make informed decisions,” he said.
- Advertisement -
Kanjala said the assessments begin with body composition analysis to determine whether an athlete’s physique aligns with the demands of their specific sport.
He said this is followed by tests that measure how the body performs during physical activity, including endurance and overall functionality.
Kanjala further emphasized that modern sport is increasingly driven by science, with evidence showing that sports science plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance.
“What sports science provides is evidence-based data, not assumptions or hearsay. Our goal is to help athletes who are below the required standards to improve, while also enhancing the performance of those already meeting expectations,” he said.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Malawi National Council of Sports acting Chief Executive Officer, Ivy Chinangwa, said it is imperative for Malawi’s sporting sector to embrace sports science, noting that many countries have made significant progress through its adoption.
“As a country, we are still lagging behind in international competitions, partly because we have not fully embraced sports science. It helps coaches and technical officials identify key areas for improvement beyond conventional training methods,” Chinangwa said.
She said the council engaged experts from Must to support the initiative during the camp, recognizing the critical role sports science plays in improving athletic performance.
The Malawi Sports Development Camp, which began on Sunday, April 5, will conclude on Saturday, April 18.
At least 264 athletes from 14 sporting disciplines are participating in the camp, which is being held at Lilongwe Girls Secondary School.
The selected athletes have been drawn from both primary and secondary schools across the country.
