THE government has urged youths set to participate in next year's Commonwealth Games, slated for Scotland, to have self-belief and seize the moment by striving to bring home more medals.

Vice President Phillip Mpango stated in Dar es Salaam on Monday during a ceremony at the State House to receive the King's Baton.

Mpango told the athletes that their victory in next year's Games is the victory of the whole country and thanked the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) for preparing the athletes for the global showpiece.

“The athletes going to Scotland next year should know that it is an honour to represent the country in such a prestigious event, and the country wants more medals from you,” he implored.

“In the last Commonwealth Games, the country bagged three medals; we want more medals next year,” he said.

He also said the government will continue to support the development and promotion of all sports disciplines in the country.

“It is for this reason that the government included sports development as one of the priority areas in the country. Sports unite people; we will make sure that sports are recognized and supported like any other development sector in the country,” Mpango noted.

The Vice President said that the country's performance in the past international sports events has been poor, adding that it is now time to address factors that are stalling the progress of the country in sports.

Speaking at the start of the King's Baton relay at the Jakaya Kikwete Youth Park in the city, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Thabit Kombo, said sports are a very important tool in diplomatic circles, adding that they have been used to solve conflicts in many countries.

“I'm happy that I'm part of the history of the King's Baton. Let me tell you that the Commonwealth Games bring unity in diversity, and they are also a platform for strengthening international relations," Kombo noted.

He added: "The same spirit of supporting sports development undertaken by the country should be emulated by the young athletes; they are implored to make the country proud.”

Deputy British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Sally Hedley, said her government aims for inclusiveness and sustainability in sports.

Gulam Rashid, TOC president, said the King's Baton relay, previously known as Queen's Baton relay, is a lead-up to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 next year.

Rashid said, unlike in the past when the baton was coming from foreign nations, this time around, the baton is already in the country. He, however, stopped short of mentioning the streets where the relay will be held.

“For the first time, every Commonwealth nation and territory will receive their batons, and we thank our local inscriber Frank Hala, who customized and decorated the baton, making a true reflection of our identity and heritage,” he said, adding that the relay will next head to Ghana.

The King's Baton relay is a powerful tradition that unites all 74 Commonwealth Nations. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Commonwealth sporting history, as it will be the first time in the reign of King Charles III.

The relay fosters excitement and unites people through culture and shared values. Before the relay, last week, TOC cleaned the Msasani Beach.

The committee said this year's King's Baton relay is aligned with the ocean pollution campaign.

“This was a collective effort to raise awareness about ocean pollution, the baton is made using eco–friendly materials, reducing plastic waste and highlighting the importance of protecting our oceans, so the relay has witnessed TOC clean Msasani Beach in Dar es Salaam,” he said.