Hamutumwa eyes Glasgow medal for Namibia

Namibia National Olympic Committee president Ndeulipula Hamutumwa says strategic investment, private sector backing and honest evaluation are crucial for the nation’s future sporting success. “Having watched our athletes compete, I remain hopeful that Namibia has the potential to bring home medals,” he says. “Sport is often decided by the smallest of margins, and many of our athletes have shown they can compete with some of the best in the Commonwealth. “Whether medals come in Glasgow or at future competitions, the foundation is being laid for sustained success,” he says. Hamutumwa says one area in which Namibia must improve is conducting comprehensive post-event evaluations. “Every major competition should conclude with an honest assessment of what worked well, where improvements are needed and how lessons can be incorporated into future planning.” The NNOC president says evidence-based decision-making is essential for building a stronger sporting system. “Success should be celebrated, but challenges must also be confronted openly so we continue to evolve. Finally, the role of the corporate sector cannot be overstated,” he says. Hamutumwa says Namibia must balance ambition with financial sustainability. “Sending athletes to international competitions requires significant investment in travel, accommodation, coaching, medical support and preparation.” He says rather than spreading limited resources too thinly, Namibia must prioritise disciplines in which athletes have demonstrated the greatest readiness to compete internationally. “As our resources grow and more federations strengthen their high-performance programmes, I am confident we will expand our participation in future games.” Hamutumwa says government funding alone cannot meet all the needs of high-performance sport. “Businesses have an opportunity to become true partners in athlete development by investing in long-term programmes rather than once-off sponsorships,” he says. He says the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have demonstrated the resilience, determination and potential of Namibian athletes. “While we naturally aspire to podium finishes, I am pleased with the commitment, discipline and fighting spirit our athletes have displayed.” Several members of Team Namibia are competing at this level for the first time, and they have embraced the challenge with courage and professionalism, he says. Hamutumwa says through the support of the government, which provided substantial financial assistance, and the efforts of the NNOC, every athlete received a preparation grant, while national federations implemented training camps and competition opportunities. “Preparation alone, however, does not guarantee medals.” He says success at this level depends on consistent international exposure over many years. LOS ANGELES 2028 “Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, I am optimistic that Namibia is moving in the right direction.” The NNOC president says the country has talented athletes across several sporting codes, and the challenge is to strengthen the pathway from junior development to elite performance. “Our road to the LA28 programme is about more than qualifying athletes. It is about creating sustainable high-performance systems, improving coaching, sport science, athlete welfare and governance. “If we continue investing strategically and consistently, Namibia can become increasingly competitive on the world stage.”