The Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) will confirm its participation in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland today when the Queen’s Baton Relay leaves the country for Seychelles.
BFT Secretary General Makore Mashaga told the ‘Daily News’ from Arusha that they will confirm and submit particulars of the boxers expected to take part in the Games to the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC).
“I’m currently in Arusha and I thought my colleagues have already confirmed and presented the particulars of boxer who are preparing for the Commonwealth Games and other local and international scheduled for this year and coming years,” he said.
Mashaga said the boxing team is ready for the Games as it has been under a long-term training programme since last year. The programme was launched after the postponement of the Africa Championships scheduled for October last year in Mauritius.
BFT is among sports associations and federations which are yet to confirm their participation and submit particulars of their athletes who are expected to take part in the Commonwealth Games set for July 23 to 3 August this year in Glasgow.
A total of 17 sports and 261 medal events will be contested. According to TOC, only three associations have confirmed their participation and presented particulars of their athletes.
They are Tanzania Judo Association (JATA), Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) and Cycling Association of Tanzania (CAT).
The deadline is January 31, this year. Teams which are expected to represent Tanzania in the Commonwealth Games are athletics, boxing, cycling, judo, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and Paralympics.
Tanzania’s quota at the Games is 36 athletes although their participation is subject to attaining qualifying marks.