Zebaldt Ngaruka
Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi praised the high level of competition and camaraderie at the recently concluded Namibia Defence Force’s (NDF) 10th annual sports games held at Gobabis’s Legare Sports Complex in the Omaheke region.
The event concluded with a vibrant awards ceremony, where teams and individual athletes from various NDF formations and units were recognised for their exceptional performances in football, netball, volleyball, boxing, chess, darts, athletics and pool.
In a statement read by the NDF chief Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas on his behalf, Kapofi highlighted that the annual sports festival demonstrated outstanding talent , determination and sportsmanship across all sports.
“This year, we celebrated the annual sports games under the theme ‘Shaping Excellence Through Sport’. I believe we have embodied this theme in every way,” said the minister.
Kapofi said the success of the games heavily depends on the steadfast support of the commanders and leaders.
“Releasing members to participate is not simply accommodating leisure, but it is a deliberate investment in human capital, fostering essential teamwork, physical fitness and mental resilience critical to our NDF’s preparation and operational readiness,” he said.
Overall, the defence minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their leadership in making the games successful.
Sports game results
In the football ranking, the 12 Brigade (BDE) took first place, followed by 26 BDE in second, while 21 BDE settled for third.
Meanwhile, in netball, Okahandja-based NDF- Training Establishment (NDF-TE) ranked first, following their outstanding performance at the annual games.
It was followed by 21 BDE.
The Recce Regiment is in second and third places, respectively.
The fourth Artillery BDE from Otjiwarongo ranked first in the volleyball competition, followed by 21 BDE in second place, with 12 BDE coming in third.
Namibia Special Force (NSF) won four gold and four silver medals to secure the top spot in the boxing bonanza’s rankings.
The winners were followed by NDF-TE in second place with four silver medals, while 21 BDE finished third after earning two medals.
In the women’s athletics category, 26 BDE emerged, while the male accolade went to 12 BDE.
The runners-up in the female category went to 12 BDE, while 21 BDE ranked second in the male category.
The Composite Depot (C/Depot) and NSF were ranked third in the female and male categories, respectively.
Provost Battalion won the pool table competition, challenged by C/ Depot in second place, while 21 BDE settled for third place.
NDF-TE ranked first in the chess competition, surpassing Defence Headquarters and 21 BDE in second and third places, respectively.
In the catapult competition, 21 BDE emerged, followed by Recce in second place, whereas 21 BDE ranked third in the male category.
The 26 BDE ranked first in the female catapult competition, while the 4 Arty came in second, leaving third place to 12 BDE.
Finally, in darts, 21 BDE took first place, followed by Namibia School of Artillery in second, while 26 BDE finished third.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com