President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially handed over the National Flag to Team Namibia ahead of the country’s participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, urging athletes to compete with pride, integrity and determination as ambassadors of the nation.
The flag handover ceremony, held at State House, marked Namibia’s official send-off to the Games, which will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
The event brings together athletes from across the Commonwealth and marks another chapter in Namibia’s sporting journey on the international stage. Team Namibia will compete across six sporting codes, namely athletics, para-athletics, boxing, gymnastics, bowls and swimming, with athletes aiming to showcase the country’s sporting talent on one of the world’s biggest multi-sport stages.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will provide Team Namibia with an opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes from across the Commonwealth while promoting the country’s sporting excellence on the global stage. As representatives of the Land of the Brave, the athletes will carry the hopes and pride of Namibia as they strive for personal bests, podium finishes and memorable performances in Glasgow.
Addressing the athletes, coaches and officials, President Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated the team on earning the honour of representing the country and praised their dedication, discipline and sacrifices in qualifying for the Games. “The countless hours of training, sacrifices and determination have earned you the honour to represent your motherland at the upcoming Commonwealth Games,” she said.
The President also commended the leadership of Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, President of the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC), along with coaches, administrators, families and support staff whose efforts contributed to the team’s successful qualification. Describing herself as the team’s “number one cheerleader”, Nandi-Ndaitwah assured the athletes of the nation’s unwavering support throughout the competition.
The Head of State reminded Team Namibia that the Commonwealth Games represent more than sporting competition, promoting friendship, respect and cooperation among nations. She encouraged athletes to uphold the values of fairness, humility and sportsmanship while proudly representing the country’s motto, “One Namibia, One Nation.” President Nandi-Ndaitwah formally presenting the National Flag to Team Namibia, urging athletes to let it serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the responsibility they carry as representatives of the nation.
“May this flag remind you of the unity of our people and the responsibility you carry as representatives of Namibia. Let it serve as a constant reminder that the entire nation stands proudly behind you,” she said. Team Namibia departs for Glasgow carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its athletes excel on one of the Commonwealth’s biggest sporting stages.
The success of Team Namibia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be supported by a dedicated management and technical team tasked with ensuring the athletes are well prepared, supported and represented throughout the international competition in Glasgow, Scotland. Leading the delegation is Chef de Mission Mr Joseph Amakali, who will oversee the overall coordination and management of Team Namibia’s participation at the Games. Supporting him is Team Manager Mr Andrew Masongo, responsible for assisting with team operations and ensuring the smooth running of the delegation throughout the competition period.
The team will also include Safeguarding Officer Ms Maggy Katimba, who will focus on athlete welfare and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all team members.
Communication and media responsibilities will be handled by Press Attaché Mr Elmau Boois, who will provide updates and promote Team Namibia’s journey during the Games. Athlete health and performance support will be strengthened by Team Doctor Dr Chase Bassingthwaighte and physiotherapists Mr Ruan Mocke and Mr Owetu Rukoro, who will provide medical care, injury prevention and recovery support to the athletes.
The delegation will further benefit from the leadership and guidance of Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, President of the Namibia National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association (NNOC-CGA), together with Ms Anri Parker, NNOC-CGA Chief Executive Officer.
In athletics, Namibia will be represented by Chenoul Liorel Coetzee, Elvis Khikhoe Gaseb, Charley Matundu and Ryan Williams. The team will be supported by Team Manager Madeleine Kotze and Coach Gawaseb Zidane.
Namibian para-athletics star Ananias Shikongo will compete with the support of Competition Partner Even Tjiuiu, under the guidance of Coach Letu Hamhola.
The boxing team features five athletes: Mischa Monique Araes, Philip Pumulo Mutalela Hoaseb, Gebhard Tonateni Ipinge, Petrus Jacobus Kotze and Tryagain Morning Ndevelo. The team will be managed by Magreth Mengo, with coaching support from Ipundaka Lungameni Lazarus and Albertus Tamaseb.
In gymnastics, Namibia will be represented by Sureshni Andrew, Anne-Leen Thorburn, Jonie Thorburn and Tyesha Humphries, coached by Petra Thorburn.
The bowls team consists of Amanda Steenkamp, Diana Viljoen, Ronald Christo Steenkamp and Waylon Wentzel, with Lesley Vermeulen serving as Team Manager and Axel Kranenbuhl as Coach.
Namibia’s swimming team includes Jessica Olive Twaepwa Humphrey, Luke Arthur Matthew Beukes, José Canjulo, Oliver Benjamin Durand and Ronan Zuberg Wantenaar, guided by Coach Jean-Michael Leitner.
By Rudi Bowe
