Namibia's youth wrestlers have made a remarkable showing at the South African Youth National Championships, held in Cape Town over the weekend. The team secured a total of 22 medals, comprising 10 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze medals, across various age categories and the Presidents competition. This impressive haul is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the wrestlers and their coaches.
The Namibian Wrestling Federation (NWF) expressed its satisfaction with the results, stating that they reflect the positive impact of consistent training and preparation. However, the federation emphasized that its primary objective is long-term athlete development, rather than just focusing on medal achievements. By providing young wrestlers with exposure to competitive tournaments, the NWF aims to develop confident, experienced, and resilient athletes.
The NWF has praised every single youth wrestler who participated in the championships, regardless of whether they returned home with a medal. The federation believes that the experience gained from competing at this level is invaluable and contributes directly to building the next generation of Namibian wrestlers. The wrestlers demonstrated grit, guts, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The NWF has extended its appreciation to the South African Wrestling Federation (SAWF) for hosting a well-organized championship and for welcoming the Namibian team. The federation values the continued sporting relationship between the two countries, which provides opportunities for Namibian wrestlers to compete alongside their South African counterparts.
The NWF also thanked its referees, Alvaro Eixab and Erika Theron, for their contribution to the championships. The two referees will now travel to Amman, Jordan, to participate in the Veteran World Championships, where they will represent Namibia as technical officials on the international stage. The federation wishes them every success in their upcoming competition.
The NWF has acknowledged the support of the coaches, team management, parents, guardians, clubs, and supporters who contributed to making the tour possible. The federation believes that youth development is a long-term investment and that every competition, match, and lesson learned represents another step forward in the development of wrestling in Namibia.
The medal winners from Namibia include Pieter van Niekerk, who won gold in the U8 category, while Haiki Haimbanga secured bronze. Other notable winners include Immanuel Kaamukulwa, who won two gold medals in the U10 category, and Jasmine Gawases, who won two gold medals in the women's category. A total of 22 medals were won by Namibian wrestlers across various age categories.
Key points
- Namibia's youth wrestlers won 22 medals at the South African Youth National Championships.
- The Namibian Wrestling Federation prioritizes long-term athlete development over medal achievements.
- The federation has praised its referees, coaches, and supporters for their contribution to the team's success.
