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Support needed as deaf athletes eye Tokyo Deaflympics

Support needed as deaf athletes eye Tokyo Deaflympics

President of the Namibia Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) Abner Sheya has called on local sponsors and stakeholders to support deaf athletes with coaching, equipment and resources as they prepare to represent the country at the upcoming Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

The international multi-sport event for deaf athletes will take place from 15 to 26 November.

 It marks the centenary of the Games since they were first held in Paris in 1924. Sheya said investing in the athletes now would significantly boost their chances of securing podium finishes at what will be a highly-competitive event involving between 70 and 80 countries. 

The 2025 Games will include 21 sporting disciplines, ranging from athletics and football to Taekwondo and swimming.

The appeal for support follows the successful staging of the National Deaf Sports Games over the weekend in Rietfontein, where over 400 athletes participated in various competitions. 

Ocean Deaf from Walvis Bay won the football tournament, defeating Zambia’s Kopala Deaf, who settled for second place. 

Oshana Young from Oshakati took third position. 

In the netball division, Queen Deaf Netball team from Eswatini dominated to take the gold medal. 

Oshakati’s Still Water netball team came second, with Sunrise Deaf netball team from Windhoek securing third place.

Among the standout athletes was 19-year-old Elifas Nghikevali from Eenhana, who clocked a time of 11.31 seconds in the 100-metre sprint to earn his qualification for the Deaflympics. 

He joins a group of male athletes who will compete in the 100m, 200m and 400m events, including Elida’s Nghilifa, Paulus Ekandjo, Munzere Damian, Thomas Nambala and Abraham Ndinoiti.

In the women’s division, Maria Fillemon and Shangeelao Kanana from Ongwediva, along with Saara Haihambo from Eenhana, earned their places and will compete in the 100m and 200m races.

Sheya expressed pride in the athletes’ determination and performances. He stressed that without timely and adequate support, their efforts could be hampered. 

He urged sponsors and government institutions to partner with the federation to ensure Namibia is well-represented and competitive on the world stage. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na