Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is hosting a state banquet at State House to celebrate the election of the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Kirsty Coventry, as the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Honourable Coventry, a decorated Olympian, was elected as the 10th president of the international sporting body on 20th March in Costa, Greece.
She made history as the youngest, the first female, and the first African to hold the prestigious position, securing 49 votes in the first round, exactly the number required for a majority from the 97 votes cast.
During her campaign, Honourable Coventry pledged to focus on increasing diversity and inclusion within the IOC, while also promoting the development of sport in Africa and other underrepresented regions.
She will officially assume office on June 23, Olympic Day, following a formal handover from outgoing president Thomas Bach.
Her tenure will include overseeing the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
