DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Boxing Federation (TBF) has officially postponed the Women’s National Open Championship, granting athletes and stakeholders additional time to prepare for one of the country’s premier boxing events.
TBF Secretary General Makore Mashaga confirmed that the championship, initially slated for March, will now be held on April 6–7, 2026. While the official venue is yet to be announced, with Mbezi Beach in Dar es Salaam emerging as the likely host location.
ALSO READ: Samia stadium set for July
Mashaga explained that the decision was made out of respect for the Lent and Ramadan fasting periods, ensuring that athletes can train and compete at their peak without conflicting with important religious observances.
“We want to ensure our athletes are fully prepared and able to compete effectively while honouring their faith commitments,” he said.
According to the federation’s 2026 calendar, the adjustment forms part of broader strategic efforts to improve coordination, participation and overall event management in national boxing competitions. Mashaga reaffirmed the federation’s strong commitment to advancing women’s boxing in Tanzania by expanding competitive platforms and nurturing talent across the country.
“The championship is one of the key fixtures in our local boxing calendar. It brings together top female boxers from various regions to compete for national honours and also serves as a vital talent identification platform for future international assignments,” he noted.
Tanzania has recently demonstrated growing strength in regional competitions. During last year’s Zone Three Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, the country clinched multiple medals, including a gold medal victory by Yussuf Changarawe, a testament to the nation’s rising boxing profile.
Mashaga emphasised that extended preparation time directly benefits athletes and the sport as a whole.
“When athletes are given adequate time to prepare, they perform at their best. It reduces injury risks and improves the overall quality and competitiveness of the bouts,” he explained.
He added that stakeholders such as coaches, referees, medical teams and event organisers also stand to gain significantly from the rescheduling. Coaches will have ample time to refine training programmes and strategies.
Referees and officials can participate in refresher courses to ensure strict adherence to regulations and fair play. Meanwhile, organisers can secure venues, confirm sponsorships, streamline logistics and effectively promote the event.
“Proper planning minimises last-minute challenges and ensures the championship runs smoothly,” Mashaga concluded.