Madina promotes Tanzania globally despite financial challenges

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's top lady golfer, Madina Iddi, has expressed her pride in promoting her country internationally through the game of golf, despite facing significant costs and limited financial rewards.

Madina, who has won three titles abroad since July, this year, revealed that she had spent about $6,000 (around Sh16 million) on featuring in the three competitions, mainly due to the high costs of air travel and accommodation.

She noted that amateur golfers often received minimal financial compensation, and in some events, they were only awarded trophies, bags, or other non-monetary prizes.

“For instance, in Zambia, I was awarded a trophy and a bag, but there was no cash prize. The expenses I incurred for travel, food, accommodation, and entrance fees were far greater than the value of the awards," she explained.

 "In a recent competition, I received a cash prize of 2.1 million Ugandan shillings (approximately TSh1, 536,422). Such prizes are typical for amateur golfers,” she added.

Madina stressed that her primary goal has been to represent Tanzania on the international stage and improve her world ranking from 937th currently among 3,153 golfers worldwide.

“I aim to be among the top 500 golfers in the world. I believe that if the past two events, which I won, are included in my ranking, I will be among the top 600 or 700, depending on the results of other golfers' competitions,” she said.

She noted that Tanzania’s lady golfers have the potential to excel internationally if they are to get adequate support, despite usually competing as individuals.

“Our recent results in Uganda reflect what I mean about the potential of women golfers. To dominate the top five positions, with me as the winner, Hawa Wanyeche finished second, and Neema Olomi tied with Uganda’s Martha Babirye, proving our capabilities," Madina stated.

"Adding to our achievements, another Tanzanian lady golfer, Aalaa Riyaz Somji, scored a hole-in-one on the par-3 hole 6.” Madina further noted that other Tanzanian competitors, including Vicky Elias, Yasmin Chali, and Loveness Mungure, also performed admirably in the tournament, showcasing the country’s talent.

“We all represented Tanzania and made the country proud. We deserve sponsorship and support for the work we have been doing to promote our country. Today, every Tanzanian can walk with their heads held high,” she stressed.