GOVERNMENT has congratulated boxer Catherine Phiri for winning the World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) Bantamweight title after defeating Canadian Natalie Forget at the weekend.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kennedy Sakeni said Phiri's victory was a sweet and timely gift to the nation that is celebrating its 48 years of Independence today.

Sakeni, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said the victory entrenches the emerging spirit of a winning nation under the Patriotic Front Government, coming barely after the Chipolopolo's qualification to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa to defend the cup.

"The victory is a sweet and timely gift to the nation as we celebrate 48 years of Independence. Government commends the coaching staff, boxing fans, business houses and the public at large for their part in the victory which has brought honour and pride to the nation," he said.

Sakeni called upon the business houses and other stakeholders to continue working closely with the Government in taking boxing and other sport disciplines to higher levels.