NVF invites U17 players for Youth Olympic qualification
The Namibia Volleyball Federation (NVF) has called on all junior boys in the U17 category to register for qualification to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal this October and November.
Eligible athletes are those born in or before 2009, according to the NVF.
“In preparation for the Games, the country’s beach volleyball programme will implement a structured selection process throughout the 2026 season.
“All eligible players will be monitored and evaluated at beach volleyball events across the year,” said the federation.
The NVF further encouraged players who meet the age criteria and are interested in representing Namibia at the Youth Olympic Games to attend upcoming training camps, with dates to be announced.
“[Securing a slot at the Youth Olympics] is a landmark opportunity for Namibian beach volleyball and for the next generation of elite players.
“Coaches, clubs and parents of eligible players are encouraged to engage with the NVF to confirm participation and stay informed on selection timelines,” the federation said.
One slot for the boys
Namibia beach volleyball director Conrad Johannes confirmed to Sport Wrap that the country has received only one boys’ slot for the global showpiece.
Regarding the allocation criteria, Johannes said the rankings used were not explicitly disclosed.
He noted, however, that the allocation follows Namibia’s recent success in the boys’ category, where brothers Max and Jura Krafft won the U21 African Championships in Morocco last year before representing the country at the World Championships in Mexico.
He added that the selection process involves multiple governing bodies, including the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC).
“It’s a great honour to have that one spot for the boys. It shows that African beach volleyball has recognised the hard work we have put in and the performances we have delivered,” he said.
Tournament rescheduled
The NVF also announced that the Bank Windhoek Beach Volleyball Tournament, initially scheduled for 9 May, has been rescheduled to 1 and 2 August in Swakopmund.
“The decision was made to better align the tournament with the broader competition calendar.
“The rescheduled event will now serve as direct preparation for the CAVB Zone Six Beach Volleyball Tour leg four, set for 8 to 9 August in Swakopmund,” the federation said.
“This back-to-back structure gives teams a competitive warm-up one week before the Zone Six event, maximising preparation and readiness at a critical stage of the season.
“Teams and players are encouraged to plan accordingly and note both dates.”
National training camp
The NVF also confirmed a national beach volleyball training camp scheduled from 1 to 3 May in Swakopmund, open to advanced players.
The federation encouraged participation, noting that the camp is aimed at raising the country’s competitive standard ahead of a busy mid-season period.
“The camp will provide a structured, high-performance training environment. Full details regarding registration and logistics will be communicated through our channels.”
