Hilma Nalupe
At just 14 years, Kamrouz Ghayouri is already making waves in Namibian sport. Born and raised in Windhoek, the Grade 8 pupil at St Paul’s College first discovered his love for table tennis in Grade 6, when he and a cousin played for fun on the school table. What started as a pastime quickly became a passion.
“I started taking it seriously after my first tournament, which I lost, but I got the best loser’s prize in the Plate Edition. That motivated me to keep going,” Ghayouri recalls.
Since then, Ghayouri has turned setbacks into stepping stones, showing resilience beyond his years. One of his proudest moments came at the Chinese Ambassador Cup last year, when he stepped into the senior league for the first time. He defeated a strong opponent 3-2, earning himself a place in the finals against seasoned Chinese players.
The young star has also carried Namibia’s flag beyond its borders. Just two months ago in Nigeria, he stood tall as the only SADC representative to advance past the group stages in the U/5 boys’ category.
In France, he faced one of the top four U/15 players in the country – a tough lesson that reminded him of the level he wants to reach. “The level of the game in Europe is much higher,” he admits, but his determination remains unshaken.
Ghayouri’s favourite weapon on the table is the reverse pendulum serve, a tricky move that reflects his boldness and creativity. Before a match, he doesn’t need music or hype, he just quietly focuses on strategies for his next opponent.
Off the table, Ghayouri enjoys playing the piano, but much of his drive comes from his biggest supporter, his mother Taschiona Gawaxab. “She tries and takes me to as many training camps outside the country as possible,” he says gratefully. His mixed Persian and Damara heritage also gives him a unique identity, which he embraces proudly.
For Ghayouri, table tennis is more than just sport, it’s a teacher. “It teaches you discipline, concentration, and how to control your emotions,” he says. These lessons carry over into his daily life and education, helping him grow as a player and a person.
Looking ahead, Ghayouri dreams of representing Namibia at the Dakar Junior Olympics and ultimately at the 2028 Olympic Games. He has already collected numerous medals from local Arysteq tournaments and proudly helped the Namibia boys’ team secure silver at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games.
With his talent, discipline and determination, Ghayouri is not just a rising star, but also an inspiration for young Namibians who dare to dream big.