Namibia seeks Paris glory

The nation can expect positive results at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, say Namibian team officials Michael Hamukwaya and Letu Hamhola.

This is based on the their last visit to the French capital and a proven track record at international competitions fuelling the team’s motivation, they say.

Namibia’s modest team of 10 athletes took their place among 168 delegations at the eventful opening ceremony parade in Paris on Wednesday night, marking the start of the Paralympic Games.

The athletes danced, waved at the crowd and posed for photos as they made a lap around one of the most iconic public squares in the world.

“The opening ceremony was always going to be a good experience, especially for those doing it for the first time,” Hamhola said.

“To see such a big crowd, cheering them on. They had their walk of fame through the crowds of Paris until they entered the arena. They enjoyed it, they were happy.”

Hamukwaya, the Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) secretary general, says the rousing ceremony set the tone for an exhilarating competition.

“It was exciting to see how the opening ceremony was organised and it being outdoors shows the world that we should not hide people with disabilities but we should learn how to embrace them and accommodate them in our daily planning,” Hamukwaya said.

That jovial and nerveless theme has carried them to the podium in London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, Hamhola noted.

The indefatigable Ananias Shikongo (38) is arguably the standout name in the Namibian ranks.

Appearing at a record fourth Paralympics for Namibia, Shikongo is looking to medal at the third Games in row, to add to the four medals he already has in the competition.

His ‘brother’ Johannes Nambala is also on a mission to make three podium finishes in as many Paralympics, while Paris 2024 flag-bearer Lahja Ishitile eyes a first medal at her third Games.

World champion Chris Kinda, a relative newcomer, hopes to continue his upward trajectory, with fellow Paralympic Games debutante Petrus Karuli also keen to make a statement.

Guides Kelvin Goagoseb Even Tjiuiju, Onesmus Nekundi, Sem Shimanda and Sydney Kamuaruuma complete the team.

“Last year, we were in Paris at the World Championships where we went back home with three silver medals. So, Paris is a good place to be,” Hamhola said.

“So, all the athletes are in good spirits. They’re looking forward to the competition.

“The Paralympic team has set standards from 2008 of really competing well at this level. We look forward to carrying that mentality forward.”

Hamukwaya is also confident that the athletes will continue to make the nation proud.

“It is no longer preparation time, but this is the time to show what your preparation for the past years will deliver,” Hamukwaya said.

“We have athletes that have been at the games before and understand what it requires to win but at this stage, it goes down on how your body and mental well-being is on the day of the competition,” said Hamukwaya.

Hamhola does not believe the team is under pressure to win medals to make up for the limp showing of their able-bodied counterparts at the Paris Olympics.

The Paralympic crew will run their race and in their lane, he says.

“Johnny and Ananias have medalled in Rio and Tokyo. History beckons for them. Time will tell whether they can do it in three consecutive games and be the first ones to have done so,” said Hamhola.

First to take to the track is Ishitile, who goes in the T11 women’s 400 metre heats this morning, followed by Karuli in the T37 men’s 100m first round.

“Chris and Lahja medalled here in Paris last year and and also medalled at the Paralympic World Championship, which means we can look forward to the athletes bringing their best,” Hamhola said of his charges’ prospects.

Hamhola says the new kids on the block will not be overawed by the occasion.

“Chris is making his debut at this level, being the world champion in the T11 from the Kobe World Championships, which means he’s not out of his depth,” he said.

“The one thing about para-athletes is they always bring their A-game. So, it’s just for us to give them the necessary support. We are confident. Now, it’s just to give them that support so that they believe in themselves and get on the track to be able to show the champions that they are.

“Us being from the Land of the Brave, we never shy away from that. So, we’re looking forward to the challenge. Paris is going to be good,” added Hamhola.