Namibia's table tennis federation says 2025 is one of its strongest years, marked by international medals, more participation, and wider grassroots activity. From the U20 Youth Games to tournaments in Nigeria and Angola, officials say the sport has grown faster than expected.

According to the federation, the year started well. At the U20 Youth Games, the team set a target of reaching the semi-finals. Instead, they won gold in both the Boys' and Girls' Divisions. The national team later travelled to Nigeria, performed well, and will close the year with another appearance in Angola, showing steady progress at international level.

"The national team later travelled to Nigeria, performed well, and will close the year with another appearance in Angola, showing steady progress at international level," Development Officer Theo Beukes said.

Officials say they want the sport to reach all regions, especially at grassroots level, but funding remains a major challenge, as it is in many sports. They also say schools are still a barrier, with teachers and principals often hesitant to take on new sports. After 30 years of working with schools, the federation says progress is possible, but slow.

Despite this, development programmes are growing. The federation now runs the Siomnis Storm School Series and the Schools Link Programme, both showing good results. Three years ago, tournaments attracted 37 children. This year, across six tournaments, participation averaged 60 children, with 40% being girls.

The next aim is expansion. Table tennis has not yet reached regions like Ohangwena or Musati, and the federation says it is time to take the sport there. With new administration structures in place, they hope the sport will become a national priority.

"With new administration structures in place, they hope the sport will become a national priority," Beukes added.

Officials say sport should be viewed as an export product. They believe that when athletes succeed internationally, they bring funding, visibility, and investment back into the country. Just as Usain Bolt is linked to Jamaica and Frankie Fredericks to Namibia, they believe table tennis can also produce athletes who become known worldwide.

As the year ends, Namibia's table tennis federation highlights growth, international results, and rising youth participation—building a stronger base for the sport's future across the country.