Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga has secured direct qualification to the men’s 400 metres semi-finals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, earning his place among the eight fastest athletes in the event. The reigning Commonwealth Games champion will now begin his title defence in the semi-finals as he bids to retain the gold medal he famously won […]

Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga has secured direct qualification to the men’s 400 metres semi-finals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, earning his place among the eight fastest athletes in the event.

The reigning Commonwealth Games champion will now begin his title defence in the semi-finals as he bids to retain the gold medal he famously won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking to the Commonwealth Games Association of Zambia (CGA Zambia) Media Team, Samukonga said he is confident in his preparations and believes he is ready for the challenge ahead.

“I am more than prepared. I have been preparing for the Commonwealth Games for the past two years,” Samukonga said.

The Zambian sprint star said he is in excellent condition and intends to enjoy competing while giving his best performance on the track.

“I am okay, and I am going onto the track to enjoy myself and have fun,” he added.

Despite his confidence, Samukonga acknowledged that defending a major international title comes with its own unique challenges.

“Becoming a champion is easy, but defending your title and remaining consistent is hard. I am praying to God to guide me through this journey, and I know He will,” he said.

The 400m specialist made history in Birmingham four years ago by winning Zambia’s first Commonwealth Games athletics gold medal in the men’s one-lap race. His victory established him as one of Africa’s top quarter-milers and elevated Zambia’s profile on the international athletics stage.

Samukonga will compete in Men’s 400m Semi-Final Heat 2 on Thursday, 30 July, at 14:10 CAT at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

A strong performance will secure him a place in the final, where he will have the opportunity to successfully defend his Commonwealth Games title and add another major achievement to his growing athletics career.

Zambian sports fans will be hoping the defending champion can continue his impressive form and move one step closer to bringing another Commonwealth Games gold medal home for Team Zambia.