Zambian light welterweight boxer eyes Olympics gold medal

LUSAKA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Zambian light welterweight boxer Hastings Bwalya has said that with financial assistance from the government and the corporate world, he could bring pride to his country at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Zambia Daily Mail reported Monday.

Bwalya, fresh from winning the gold medal at the Africa boxing championships in Mauritius, said on Sunday that nothing was impossible with motivation and he was aiming to win a good medal at the Aug.8-24 Beijing Games.

"I have won several medals, gold and silver but I have not been recognised by both the government and the business community. Sometimes I wonder why this is happening to me," he said.

The 2007 All-Africa Games gold medallist said it was through being recognized that he would be inspired to do more for the country.

"Some of my friends (boxers) have been recognized. I have done what others (boxers) who have been honored or recognized have not achieved in their career," said Bwalya.

He added that he was determined to put Zambia on the world map.

"Winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games is a must," Bwalya said.