Hesron Kapanga
The Namibian Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) has announced a team of eight athletes who will represent the country at the 25th edition of the Deaflympics, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, between 15 and 26 November 2025.
The international multi-sport event will bring together elite athletes with hearing impairments from around the world for 12 days of world-class sporting competition, along with social and cultural activities.
In an interview with Nampa yesterday, NDSF president Abner Sheya said that the federation is working hard to prepare its qualified elite athletes to represent Namibia at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.
“This historic event, dedicated to showcasing the talent of deaf athletes globally, will see Namibia sending a team in track events, with representation in both men’s and women’s athletics. NDSF has worked tirelessly to ensure athletes meet the international qualification standards set for the Deaflympics, especially in athletics,” Sheya said.
Sheya added that the selected athletes had shown incredible commitment, discipline, and perseverance in their pursuit of excellence and national pride.
Their qualification highlights individual achievement and also reflects the progress made in inclusive sports development in Namibia. This is more than just a sporting event – it’s a powerful statement of what our Deaf athletes can achieve. Namibia is proud, and we will support them every step of the way,” he said.
The NDSF President also called on stakeholders, sponsors, and the government to rally behind Team Namibia as preparations intensify for this significant event.
The athletes who qualified to represent Namibia at the Deaflympics, which is equivalent to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, are: Elifas Nghilifa, who will compete in the 100 metres (m), 200m, and 400m; Paulus Ekandjo (100m, 200m); Munzere Damian (100m, 200m); Thomas Nambala (400m, 800m); and Abraham Ndinoiti (400m, 800m) among the male athletes.
Meanwhile, the female athletes are Maria Fillemon (100m, 200m), Shangeelao Kanana (100m, 200m), and Saara Haihambo (100m, 200m). -Nampa