Tobias decries support disparity in sport 

Promoter and trainer Nestor Tobias says boxing in Namibia is undervalued. He is calling for the improved recognition of efforts.

Tobias expressed discontent with the recent Namibia Annual Sport Awards finalists list, which was announced earlier this week.

The Namibia Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, will host the 20th edition of the awards in Windhoek on 22 November.

Tobias questioned the omission of boxing from the list of nominees despite the sport’s active participation on global platforms.

He bemoaned the disparity between the recognition of boxers and athletes of other sport codes.

“While athletes who win bronze or silver medals in international competitions are typically lauded and financially rewarded, boxers who participate in world championship bouts, even if they lose, are not seen as achieving a similar level of success.

“This is despite technically being the runners-up in their bout,” Tobias said during a press conference yesterday celebrating his fighter, Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa’s recent success in Yokohama, Japan.

Ex-WBO Global super bantamweight champion Nghitumbwa knocked out former world champion Yukinori Oguni of Japan in the first round of their international clash on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the awards adjudication panel said their hands were tied as some federations failed to submit nominations as required.

The panel received 96 entries across 18 categories to compile the awards’ shortlist.

“I appreciate those who submitted credentials and motivations for their athletes. It shows dedication and commitment.

“However, there is still room for improvement. Some of these sport administrators have failed their athletes, which is an outrage,” Nasa adjudication panel committee Lesley Tjiueza said.

“Those sport codes will have to explain to their affiliates why they have not nominated athletes to the awards panel. We have over 50 sport codes in the country, but, for example, we have received only two nominations for junior sportsman of the year.”

Jeremiah Nakathila’s WBO interim junior lightweight title bout against American Shakur Stevenson in Las Vegas two years ago is a case in point, Tobias said.

He said Nakathila’s impressive performance, despite not winning the bout, should have been seen as an achievement worthy of recognition and compensation.

“Boxing is a gruelling and demanding sport, with fighters risking their health and safety to represent their country on the world stage,” Tobias said.

“We argued that the lack of recognition and financial support for boxers in Namibia is not only disheartening but also detrimental to the growth and development of the sport in the country.”

Tobias called on the government and sporting authorities to provide more support for boxing, stating that the sport has long brought pride and glory to Namibia on a global scale through the likes of former world champions Harry Simon, Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses, Paulus Ambunda, and Julius Indongo.

For the first time since attaining independence, Namibia had no boxers at the Olympic Games, a further indictment of the sport code being neglected, Tobias stressed.

He expressed frustration with the current state of sport administration in Namibia.

He said “while the government has the necessary structures and systems in place, the individuals in charge of overseeing the development and promotion of sport may not have the necessary passion and commitment to the cause”.

This hinders the growth and progress of sporting disciplines such as boxing, Tobias said.

“It is disappointing to see the potential of our athletes being squandered due to the lack of proper guidance and support from those in charge,” he said.

“We need dedicated, passionate individuals who are truly committed to the growth and development of boxing in Namibia. Only then will we be able to unlock the full potential of our athletes.”