Namibia Inline hockey team’s spokesperson Stephanie Giersch said taking part in the World Games is a great achievement and that Namibia can produce good results. 

Namibia makes their debut at the prestigious World Games, which will be held in Chengdu, China. 

The games are set to run from today to 11 August. 

Namibia made history by securing their spot at the tournament after finishing fourth at the 2024 World Skate Games in Italy. 

This morning, at 04h30, they will open their campaign at the 12th edition of the games against the Chinese Taipei side. 

Giersch said that although they do not have high expectations, she believes Namibia stands a chance of producing positive results. 

“It’s a massive achievement to be able to compete in the World Games. It’s every team and player’s dream to be part of the game. For us to be here – that is already a huge achievement. I would say we are grateful to be one of the teams taking part this year. We are ready to go against some of the world’s best teams,” she said. 

Namibia has had training camps locally and across the border since confirming their spot at the games. 

Giersch said that with the intense training the team had gone through, she is upbeat that Namibia will rise to the occasion. 

“Since our place was confirmed, we have had numerous training camps in and outside of the country, which also included us taking part in four of the five Namibia Ice and Inline Hockey Association (NIIHA) tournaments,” she stated.

“We had training at club level, and individual training was encouraged amongst players. With that, I would say the team looks sharp and ready to go. I would say that Namibia is ready for the world. We are ready to compete against them,” she said. 

Inline Hockey has been part of the World Games lineup since 2005. 

The 12th edition of the World Games will run from today to 17 August.

 Athletes from across the globe will be competing in a wide range of non-Olympic and newly recognised sport. 

– mkambukwe@npec.com.na