It is hoped that the body will lead to greater involvement by athletes in the African nation's sports governance.

Athlete bodies, elected by their peers, are increasingly being seen as a measure of good practice within sporting organisations as they can bring competitors' interests to the fore.

The International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission will host the largest ever gathering of athlete representatives at the International Athletes Forum in Lausanne from April 13 to 15.

All 206 National Olympic Committees have been invited alongside athlete bodies at International Federations, continental associations, Organising Committees, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the World Olympians Association and the International Paralympic Committee.

"Athlete involvement in decision-making is a core component of good governance within sports organisations," the NOCZ said.

"In this regard, we at team Zambia are proud to announce that we have a new Commission coming.

"NOCZ Athletes' Commission is a body to be maintained by NOCZ for the purpose of representing athletes.

"An Athletes' Commission enables athletes' voices to be heard and [their] experiences used for the improvement of sport.

"The Athletes' Commission will exist to safeguard athletes' interests, advise and guide the NOCZ Board on matters that impact athletes and members of National Federations."

Zambia has won two Olympic medals in their history - a silver and a bronze which were both claimed on American soil.

Light flyweight boxer Keith Mwila won bronze at Los Angeles 1984 before 400 metre hurdler Samuel Matete clinched silver at Atlanta 1996.