Coveted national team spots will be the chief incentive for fighters at the annual elite men and women National Boxing Championship at Grootfontein early next month.
The Namibia Boxing Federation marquee event from 3 to 5 October will also feature training for referees and judges by the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has provided equipment for the competition.
The championship was deferred from 19 to 21 September due to a lack of funding, which will come from the government.
This prestigious event will bring together at least 130 top boxers from all 14 regions of Namibia, who will compete for the honour of representing Namibia at the 2024 African Boxing Confederation Championship scheduled for 14 to 27 October in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The Namibia Boxing Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service for their invaluable support in making this event a reality. Their commitment has been instrumental in enhancing the experience for both boxers and officials,” the NBF said in statement yesterday.
“The federation is also seeking additional support for the event, including prizes, medals, trophies for winners, accommodation and meals for participants and officials.”
In a groundbreaking development, the International Boxing Association (IBA) 1-Star Referee and Judges Course will be part of this year’s national championship, creating an ideal environment for hands-on training.
This initiative is expected to train at least 20 Namibian officials, addressing the current gap in qualified referees and judges within the country.
“This course marks the first internationally recognised training of its kind to be held in Namibia, offering an exceptional opportunity for practical learning and assessment for aspiring referees and judges,” the NBF says.
“Hosting this course in Namibia is a dream come true for us,” NBF president Benjamin Rebang says.
“It represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the quality and standards of boxing in our country. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on our officials and the sport as a whole.”
Additionally, the IBA will support the event by providing competition equipment, including IBA-accredited gloves and head guards, through its financial support programme for national federations, worth US$16 860 (about N$296 000).
“This support will ensure that all equipment used during the championship meets international standards, further enhancing the quality of the competition.
“Moreover, the IBA will also cover the expenses of the course instructor, ensuring expert guidance and training for all participants,” the NBA says.
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