14/08/2026
This is very sad to hear! Sorry to the young athletes that will miss out, but we know Zambia will be back to win medals in Angola next month!
The Zambian flag will still fly high in Abu Dhabi! Kopalas Malachy McAllister and Ndu Ndu will be present to represent MMA Zambia ๐ฟ๐ฒ
MMA ZAMBIA WITHDRAWS YOUTH TEAM FROM 2026 IMMAF YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
13 August 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia
MMA Zambia regrets to announce the withdrawal of its six youth athletes scheduled to represent Zambia at the 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 16โ23 August 2026.
Despite extensive efforts to mobilise the resources required, we have unfortunately been unable to secure the necessary funding within the timeframe required to ensure the team travels safely, adequately prepared and in good time for the Championships.
This has been an extremely difficult decision, particularly considering the tremendous commitment, sacrifice and hard work demonstrated by our young athletes throughout their preparation.
MMA Zambia sincerely apologises to the athletes, their families, coaches and clubs who have invested so much into this journey. We also extend our appreciation to all our stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the National Sports Council of Zambia, for their continued engagement and support of the development of Mixed Martial Arts in Zambia.
We further recognise that this period coincides with Zambiaโs 2026 General Election, an important national undertaking which has naturally commanded significant national attention and resources.
While we are deeply disappointed that our young athletes will not compete on the world stage this year, this is a setback - not the end of their journey. MMA Zambia remains fully committed to developing our youth programme and providing our young athletes with future opportunities to represent Zambia internationally.
We wish IMMAF, the organisers and every participating nation and athlete a safe and successful Youth World Championships.
Zambia will be back - stronger, better prepared and ready to compete. ๐ฟ๐ฒ
Michael Goma
Director โ Media & Communications
MMA Zambia