KEETMANSHOOP – More than 150 boxers from all corners of the country competed last weekend in the southern town in their respective categories for qualification to represent Namibia during the Commonwealth Games later this year in Scotland. 

When interviewed by New Era, head of the competition, Bernhard Kamatoto, said the tournament brought together the country’s top amateur boxers and served as a selection platform for the national team that will represent Namibia at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.He added that, in a surprising turn of events, some of the defending champions were outplayed by strong challenges from emerging talents.

Four female and six male winners will be announced later in the week and will then represent Namibia at the games. During championship awards at the end of the tournament, Erongo region took home honours in producing the best junior boxer (Immanuel Ndjike), best elite woman boxer (Misha Areas), and was also selected as the best performing region, whilst the best elite male boxer hails from Kavango West (Sinoka Sakaria). 

At the end, Oshana region won the junior boys’ category with five wins compared to Erongo’s three, whilst in the elite women division, Erongo took honours with four wins, followed by Khomas region, with three of their boxers emerging victorious. The highlight of the event (elite men category) saw Khomas and Erongo sharing the cake with three wins each.   

-sklukowski@nepc.com.na