Athletics Namibia president Leon Nienaber has described 2025 as a successful year for the federation, citing strong international performances, progress in youth development, and improved administration, while outlining plans for growth in 2026.
Nienaber said the major highlight of the year was the successful hosting of the Region Five Games in Swakopmund, where the Namibian athletics team won a total of 10 medals. He also praised the performances of junior athletes at the CAA U18 and U20 Championships in Nigeria, where Namibia secured three medals.
According to Nienaber, at the recently concluded Africa Games in Angola, Namibia's athletics team collected five medals, finishing 11th on the medal table and eighth on the place points table. He noted that the achievement was particularly impressive given that the team consisted of only five athletes.
"At the recently concluded Africa Games in Angola, Namibia's athletics team collected five medals, finishing 11th on the medal table and eighth on the place points table. This achievement was particularly impressive given that the team consisted of only five athletes," Athletics Namibia President Leon Nienaber said.
Despite the successes, Nienaber acknowledged that 2025 was not without challenges. Limited financial resources, sponsorship commitments, and the need to align federation structures with governance requirements were among the main obstacles. He said Athletics Namibia made significant progress in complying with government regulations, with all federation orders now fully up to date, reflecting better planning and management.
"Athletics Namibia made significant progress in complying with government regulations and Sports Commission requirements. All federation orders are now fully up to date, reflecting better planning and management," Nienaber stated.
Another key milestone was coach development, with coaches successfully trained to World Athletics standards. Looking ahead to 2026, Nienaber said the federation aims to take athletics deeper into rural areas, where much of Namibia's untapped talent lies. He stressed the importance of grassroots development and having people on the ground to help grow the sport nationwide.
"The federation aims to take athletics deeper into rural areas, where much of Namibia's untapped talent lies. It is important to have grassroots development and people on the ground to help grow the sport nationwide," Nienaber added.
Nienaber expressed confidence that, with the support of the executive board and proper planning, Athletics Namibia will meet its commitments and continue to grow in 2026.