WINDHOEK – Confusion reigned supreme during the Namibia Boxing Federation (NBF) hastily organized press conference, which turned chaotic in the capital yesterday.
Bungling boxing officials were left with egg on the face as they tried to duck legitimate questions by local media practitioners on the flawed point system that was used during last weekend’s Elite and Youth National Boxing Championship in Rundu.
Points were allocated incorrectly on the availed press release at the media briefing with boxing officials obliged by circumstances to correct the miscalculations in full view of those gathered around, causing embarrassment to headline sponsors Telecom.
The vast Kunene Region was placed 2nd on the overall log standings, accredited with six points despite the fact that they could only muster two bronze medals, which amounts to a paltry tally of 2 points.
The Namibian Police (Nampol) were the overall winners with 18 points – courtesy of 4 gold, 2 silver and two bronze medals, followed by the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) in 2nd place on 11 points complemented by 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.
Erongo Region finished in 3rd place with a total of 9 points after claiming 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals with hosts Kavanago Region adrift in 4th place on 7 points with 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.
Otjozondjupa Region found themselves marooned in 6th spot on the medal tally with 5 points (1 gold and 2 bronze medals). The Ohangwena and Zambezi regions held the wooden spoon after both failed to negotiate their way into medal contention. Nampol won the youth division with a tally of 8 points followed by Zambezi (7), Kavango (7), Otjozondjupa (6), Erongo (4) and Ohangewena (1) in that order.
On a rather positive note, scores of young boxing enthusiasts flocked to the spacious Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School to enjoy the entertaining fun-filled bouts in the various weight categories.
In his keynote address, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Relations of Telecom Namibia, Oiva Angula, appealed to local boxing authorities to strengthen the activities of amateur boxing in a bid to assist boxers and the community at large because amateur boxing affords young adults the opportunity to focus and be disciplined as they pursue a worthwhile goal. However, he expressed dismay at what he termed lack of discipline among the boxers.
“For participants, good behaviour through boxing should be stressed alongside technique, but the fact is that you cannot box and exhibit bad behaviour or any other negative things at the same time, at least not for long.”
Angula urged the NBF leadership to start negotiations with Telecom early next year for the renewal of the sponsorship agreement, which is due to expire soon.
By Carlos Kambaekwa