More than a thousand police officers from across Namibia will converge in Otjiwarongo next week for the highly anticipated 28th edition of the Namibia Police (Nampol) Annual Sport Championship.

The event is scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 June at the Paresis Stadium. 

The championship will see teams from all 14 regions competing in various sporting disciplines, including football, athletics, volleyball, chess, darts and an exhibition rugby match.

This year’s games are not only about regional bragging rights but they have taken on added significance as a key talent identification platform. 

Fortune Eichab, a member of the organising committee, said the championship serves as a crucial opportunity for police sport teams to scout the best players for national competitions.

“We expect over a thousand participants this year. Beyond the competitive aspect, this championship helps us spot top-performing athletes to recruit for our police teams in the Debmarine Premiership, MTC Volleyball League and MTC Netball League,” Eichab told New Era Sport.

He stressed that the event remains one of the most important fixtures on the police sport calendar, promoting both physical fitness and unity within the force.

Last year’s tournament in Keetmanshoop saw the Khomas region win the football division.

 Otjozondjupa took the netball crown. 

This year, hosts Otjozondjupa are determined to defend their title on home ground.

Jessica Nandova, captain of the Otjozondjupa netball team, said her team is ready for the challenge. 

“We’ve prepared very well because we know this year’s event will be tougher. The competition is always strong, but we believe in our ability to defend our title at home,” she said.

Meanwhile, //Kharas region, the back-to-back defending football champions, are bracing for a tough tournament as they look to make history with a third consecutive title.

Speaking to New Era Sport, Kharas region’s football team coach Kennedy Namene acknowledged the pressure that comes with being the team to beat. 

“Preparations have gone well. We’re just doing the final touches before heading to the games. We’re ready – but at the same time, we’re staying humble because we know how difficult it’s going to be this year. It’s easy to win a title, but it’s even much harder to defend it. We’d love to win it for a third time and write our names in the history books,” Namene said

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na