Government has re-affirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive sports by supporting minor sports in the country.

And government said minor sports that comprise a larger number of the female folk deserve greater attention adding that they promote the good spirit of oneness.

Speaking during the official opening of the Africa Netball Cup regional qualifier tournament in Lusaka yesterday, republican Vice-President Inonge Wina shared her sentiments towards the hosting of the tournament in her official opening ceremony speech, read on her behalf.

“It is tournaments like this one that help us push government’s agenda to promote and support women in sports. Sports, particularly netball is not only meant for leisure purposes but a way of life too. Through it good health is achieved, decent living and the spirit of oneness is also promoted,” the Vice-President said.

She also stressed government endeavours aimed at sports investment.

“We need to invest more in minor sports like netball and see to it that it also achieves the status that football enjoys. Tournaments like this one will not only showcase Zambia to participating countries but in the whole world too where netball is played. The fact that we are able to gather more than 200 players and officials is evidence that we can do it for our ladies in the country,” added Wina.

She said this in a speech read on her behalf by Minister in the office of Vice-President, Sylvia Chalikosa.

Meanwhile, African Netball Federation president Tebogo Lebotse Sebego highlighted the benefits women and young girls should seek in netball.

“Women should be able to learn discipline, team work and endurance from the sport of netball. I say so because this is a non-contact game that is free from controversy and unruly behaviour of any kind. We have African countries that are in top ten ranking in the world and that alone should be reason enough to support our ladies,” said Sebego.

The tournament took off yesterday with 8 countries fighting for two spots in the 15th edition of 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.