Renowned athletes Chikondi Mwanyali and Asimenye Simwaka underlined their class when they retained national cross country titles at Gymkhana Golf Club in Zomba on Saturday.
In the senior men’s category, Mwanyali finished the 10km race in 32:22:80 to outclass 36 other competitors.
Happy Mcherenje settled for a silver medal after closing the line 14 second later while veteran Chancy Master finished on third position.
Mwanyali said he defended the accolade with ease.
“This is my second time competing in the senior category, having graduated from the junior category, where I also dominated the section,” the 20-year-old Civo Athletics Club member said.
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It was a joyful story for Simwaka, who won the women’s senior category after she crossed the finish line for the 10km race in 41:02.01, edging her rival Nalicy Chirwa by five seconds while Fostina Mbemba ended third.
The women’s champion, who is also a member of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, said she prepared thoroughly.
“I worked hard to achieve this. Without hard work, I would have lost the title,” the 26 year-old Malawi Defence Force soldier said.
In the 8km junior men’s category, Nathan Chisale emerged champion whereas Tadala Nazombe won the 6km junior women’s section.
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Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) funded the event.
Athletics Malawi President Kondwani Chamwala and MNCS Chief Executive Officer Henry Kamata, who was the guest of honour, commended athletes for a spirited performance.
