The Namibian Wrestling Federation has sanctioned the Windhoek Open Championship, which started today and will last for three days until Saturday.

Wrestlers from Namibia, Angola, and South Africa will compete. This event serves as preparation for the 2026 African Games Championship and the 2028 Olympic Games.

The tournament will feature over a hundred wrestlers from different clubs, participating in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles across all age groups. 

Organizer Charl Van Der Merwe   from the Windhoek Wrestling Club  emphasized the event's significance.

"This afternoon we will start at 15:00, and only the Greco-Roman style will be wrestled. In Greco-Roman, you cannot use your legs or hips to attack. You can stand on them, but you cannot change position using these techniques. In Freestyle, you can use the double leg takedown or engage with your opponent. Female wrestling will also be part of today's events. Tomorrow, it will be Freestyle wrestling for all male and female wrestler''s.

This morning, wrestlers were seen training at the Windhoek High School hall in preparation for the event. Van der Merwe emphasized that this event provides school-going kids with an opportunity to prepare during the holidays. It aims to select national team wrestlers for a trip to South Africa at the end of the month.