Zambian athletes have said they are already in mood of fighting in the Beijing Olympic Games, according to Zambia Daily Mail.

The team comprises three boxers Hastings Bwalya, Cassius Chiyanika and Precious Makina.

Others are runners Tony Wamulwa, Rachel Nachula, badminton ace Eli Mambwe and swimmer Ellen Hight.

Australia-based swimmer Zen Jordan would link up with the team in Beijing.

Speaking before departure at Lusaka International Airport Friday for Beijing, boxers Hastings Bwalya said he has a huge challenge of bringing a medal to Zambia. "Right now, I am already in a mood of fighting and I am just thinking that I am already in the ring.

"I have prepared adequately for this tournament and there is no doubt that I will bring a medal in fact these other opponents I'm not counting them.

The only hurdle is Bradley Saunders of Britain who defeated me at the Presidents Cup in Taipei two months ago," said Bwalya who won a gold medal at the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algeria.

The other two boxers also pledged to do their best and bring honor to the country.

"I can confidently tell the nation to expect a gold medal from me because I have prepared well and I am in uncompromising mood," Cassius Chiyanika said.

Precious Makina said he had worked hard and was now ready to start the campaign for the medals in Beijing.

Runner Nachula said it was a dream comes true for her to compete at the Olympic Games.

Long distance runner Wamulwa said he was aiming to show the country that he was a world class runner. He said he has trained hard in Kenya where he had camped ahead of the games.

Badminton ace Mambwe said he has played against most of the opponents he would meet in China and knew how to deal with them.

He said he was aiming to achieve the best results in China because he was targeting to move to the fourth place on the world rankings.

Hight said he was confident of bringing a medal to Zambia.

And Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development, Angela Cifire who addressed the contingent shortly before departure urged athletes to do die a little for the country.

Source: Xinhua