The Erongo town of Swakopmund welcomes Commonwealth Games boxing medalists Mischa Monique Araes and Tryagain Ndevelo on Friday after the pair returned home with medals from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Namibia sent 23 athletes to compete in six sporting codes, with Swakopmund boxers Mischa Araes and Tryagain Ndevelo among the medal winners.
Eighteen-year-old Mischa Araes became the first Namibian female Commonwealth Games boxing medalist after winning bronze in the 51kg division.
Araes and Ndevelo were welcomed home by their families, Namib High School, boxing supporters and members of the Swakopmund community.
“I want to talk to the female boxers, or the females that are interested in sport. Nothing is impossible, and you can dream bigger than you think you can. And don't let anyone tell you that you cannot do it, because you can do it. Sport is not just for men; we can also be dominant, like them” Areas said
Ndevelo competed in the 60kg lightweight division and won four bouts before losing the final and taking silver.
His performance made him the first Namibian boxer to win a Commonwealth Games silver medal in the 60kg category.
“Unfortunately or fortunately for me, it was all about going to the podium. If I made it the first time, in the first fight, then I could go to the last fight. I'm so happy that I finished all my fights, five in total, and unfortunately I came up short and finished second. But I would say that we all who made it to the podium were winners because we put in the effort and finally ended up on the podium, getting a medal. That's an achievement, which I'm proud and happy about”Ndevelo said.
Namib High School Principal Roosmarie September praised Araes for balancing her academic commitments with sport, describing her as a learner whose success can inspire young people across Namibia.
“We are really very proud of you. We know, and we are looking forward to what you will accomplish in the future. We know that success will be part of your history, your legacy, and the motivation and encouragement that you gave young people to say that it is possible, regardless of who you are, regardless of where you come from, or the challenges you face, that you can make it in life”
Araes and Ndevelo's results mark a milestone for Namibian boxing and can encourage young athletes, including women, to pursue the sport.