The premier Zambia Open Golf championship has received a $150,000 cash injection from Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

KCM Chief Executive Officer Steven Din and Youth and Sports minister Ronald Chitotela handed the $150,000 cheque to the 2016 Zambia Open Organising Committee (ZOOC) at the tournament’s venue, the Nchanga Golf Club in Chingola.

Mr Chitotela urged Zambian golfers to reward Konkola Copper Mines for its gesture by producing a winner for the 2016 edition of the event Konkola Copper Mines also sponsored in 2006 and 2011.

“Do not just be mere participants, but be competitors and produce a winner for the Zambia Open. I wish to thank KCM for their good gesture of sponsoring the golf tournament,” he said at the launch and handover ceremony on Saturday.

Mr Chitotela said the government would continue to sustain its cordial relationship with KCM as an all-time partner in the development of sport.

“KCM has contributed to the positioning of Zambia on the international scene as a possible venue for international golf tournaments as well as recognition of Zambian golfers,” he said.

Mr Din said KCM would always forge partnerships in the development of various sporting activities in line with its philosophy to help develop sport in Zambia.

“It is my sincere hope that this funding will enable the Zambia Golf Union and its affiliate, the  Nchanga Golf Club to host a remarkable golf championship,” Mr Din said.