Namibia’s Para team set for World Championships
Para athletics
Namibia’s Para athletes left on Sunday for the World Para Athletics Championships, to be held from Saturday until 5 October at Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in New Delhi, India.The country has fielded eight athletes, who are set to go up against more than 1 000 competitors from over 100 nations in the 12th edition of the championships.
Classification runs from today until Friday, ahead of what World Para Athletics describes as the largest Para sport event ever held in India.
“Among [the competing athletes] are more than 200 Paralympic medallists and just as many World Championships podium finishers, making this one of the most competitive editions to date,” the organisers said.
The competition programme will feature 186 medal events, including 101 men’s, 84 women’s and one mixed event, which are 15 more than at last year’s edition in Kobe, Japan.
Namibia’s team comprises Denzel Namene (T44), Bradley Murere (T46), Ananias Shikongo (T11) guided by Even Tjiuiju, Chris Kinda (T11) guided by Kelvin Goagoseb, Immanuel Bernardo (T11) guided by Onesmus Nekundi, Lahja Iipinge (T12) guided by Kotokeni Paulus and Rainhord Leonard, Johanna Benson (T37) and Petrus Karuli (T37).
Reserve guides are Sem Shimanda and Sydney Kamuaruuma.
Accompanying the athletes are team manager T’Neil Young, alongside coaches Belinda Oberholster, Bella Swartz, Naomi Schmidt and Letu Hamhola. The physiotherapists are Ruan Mocke and Ermelinde Petrus. The safeguarding and doping officer is Julia Halweendo.
Speaking upon their arrival in India yesterday, team manager T’Neil Young welcomed the team’s early arrival, noting that it will go a long way in helping the athletes settle in and adjust to the climate ahead of the competition.
“We are feeling blessed and honoured to be here. Although competitions back home have not been as frequent this year as they normally are, the athletes are well prepared and ready for the event. We are excited to represent the country and make all of you proud,” she said.
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