Amakali Calls for Enhanced Investment in Namibian Athletes Following Commonwealth Games

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Glasgow: Joseph Amakali, Team Namibia's Chef de Mission at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, has urged for greater investment in Namibian athletes, emphasizing the need for better funding and long-term preparation to achieve consistent success at the highest level. Namibia secured 29th place out of 74 nations at the Games, which took place from 23 July to 02 August 2026, with a delegation of 24 athletes competing in athletics, boxing, bowls, gymnastics, and swimming. The team returned with three medals, including one silver and two bronze, all in boxing.According to Namibia Press Agency, Amakali expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance and highlighted the importance of sustained investment in athletes for major international competitions. He stressed that participation in such a prestigious event offers invaluable exposure and experience, forming a foundation for future success. "Having our athletes exposed to this type of competition is already an achievement because it forms part of t he building process," Amakali stated.Amakali pointed out that the current financial support for athlete preparation is inadequate for elite competition. He emphasized the necessity of supporting both athletes and their coaches and called for increased investment in developing the next generation of athletes. Highlighting the impressive performance of Namibia's young gymnasts, he noted that exposure to world-class competition significantly motivates emerging talent.Moreover, Amakali stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing young athletes to succeed the current generation, calling for a focus on proper preparation, mentoring, and structured programs. He also underscored the need for investment in technical officials, recognizing their crucial role in enhancing Namibia's competitiveness on the international stage. "As we equip athletes, we must also develop our coaches and officials because they are part of the system that produces success," Amakali concluded.