Ndumbaro directs golf bodies to work on youth programmes

Minister of Arts, Culture, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro lines up a putt on one of the holes at Lugalo Golf Course during a past competition. PHOTO | COURTESY

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  • Minister Ndumbaro said that cultivating young golfers would not only fortify the future of the sport but also contribute significantly to the nation's pride on the international stage.

Dar es Salaam. The government has challenged the Tanzanian Golf Union (TGU) and the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) to plan a new course focused on youth development within the sport.

The call was made by Minister of Arts, Culture, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, in a special interview with The Citizen recently. The minister's impassioned plea came following the remarkable victory by the Tanzania Ladies Golf National Team at the East and Central All Africa Challenge Trophy (ECAACT), marking the 6th edition of this prestigious event.

With a team comprising the formidable talents of Neema Olomi, Madina Idd, Vicky Elias, and Hawa Wanyeche, Tanzania emerged triumphant in a display of skill, strategy, and unwavering teamwork.

Among the jubilant celebrations, Minister Ndumbaro took a moment to commend the exceptional performance of the victorious team and to underscore the importance of strategic investment in youth programs for the future of Tanzanian golf.

"The success we witness today is not just a momentary triumph; it's a testament to the potential that lies within our youth. We must nurture this potential to ensure a sustained legacy of excellence in golf for the benefit of our nation," said Ndumbaro.

 His call for the TGU and TLGU to embark on dedicated youth programs resonated with a vision beyond immediate victory. Recognizing the transformative power of investing in the younger generation, Minister Ndumbaro said that cultivating young golfers would not only fortify the future of the sport but also contribute significantly to the nation's pride on the international stage.

As Neema Olomi, Madina Idd, Vicky Elias, and Hawa Wanyeche stood as symbols of triumph, Minister Ndumbaro painted a vision of a golfing community that actively engages and nurtures its youth.

He highlighted the need for structured programs that identify and develop emerging talent, providing them with the tools and support needed to shine in both local and global competitions.

The minister's words carried an undertone of responsibility, urging the leadership of TGU and TLGU to be architects of change in the realm of Tanzanian golf. By focusing on youth development initiatives, the aim is to not only sustain the momentum gained in Rwanda but to also lay the groundwork for a golfing dynasty that will make the nation proud for generations to come.

Ndumbaro's call lingered in the air—a rallying cry for the golfing community to invest in the promise of the youth, ensuring that the sport becomes a beacon of pride and achievement for Tanzania on the global stage. The victory in Kigali, he insisted, should serve as a catalyst for a new era of golfing excellence in the nation's rich sporting sector.