The countdown to the BDO Namibian Open 2026 is underway, with organisers preparing for this year's tournament. The event has grown steadily over the past decade and has attracted increased corporate support, with title sponsor BDO and Power Line Africa each contributing N$200,000 towards this year's competition.
Organisers say the tournament has expanded significantly from a sponsorship of N$17,000 in 2017 into one of the country's leading squash events. It continues to attract international players to help elevate the standard of the sport in Namibia. Last year's competition featured more than 240 matches and hosted 27 international players from 13 countries, including South Africa, Egypt, Belgium, Austria, Australia, and Wales.
BDO Tournament Organiser Steven Berry noted that hosting competitors from all over the world exposes local players to higher-level competition, giving them an opportunity to develop and improve their game. He added that with squash now designated as an Olympic sport, the goal is to provide Namibian athletes with the platform needed to reach a level where they can compete with the best globally.
The growth of the sport is also reflected in Namibia's recent performances, with the national team currently unbeaten at the Growthpoint Inter-Provincial Tournament in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Furthermore, the Rooster Monte Cristo Open last month drew more than 120 players, demonstrating a level of demand that exceeded available tournament slots.
Berry expressed excitement over the rising participation among beginners, juniors, and women. He officially launched the BDO Namibian Open 2026, announcing that it will take place in the final week of November this year, featuring prize money of US$15,000 for the men's competition and US$6,000 for the women's division.
The exact dates for the BDO Namibian Open 2026 have not yet been confirmed.