Hanoi: Namibia’s track athletes faced a tough start on Monday during the opening day of their heats in the 100 metre (m) and 400m sprints at the Deaflympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The games, which are celebrating their 100th anniversary, are being held at the Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Ground Athletic Field.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Team Namibia, represented by eight athletes in the track and field events, managed to secure only one place in the next round of the 100m and 400m sprints after nine heats. Elifas Nghikevali was the sole Namibian to progress to the next round of the men’s 400m sprint after finishing third in his heat with a time of 52.23 seconds. He crossed the line behind Slovenia’s Tadej Enci, who won in 51.74 seconds, and Serhii Drach of Ukraine, who placed second in 51.89 seconds.

Other Namibian sprinters who competed in the heats are Ndeuoongela Ekandjo, Nakare Munzere and Nghikevali, who were eliminated from the 100m sprints. In the women’s category, Maria Filemon, Ndinelago Kanana and Shayela Haihambo also struggled to advance to the semi-finals of the 100m sprint. Meanwhile, in the men’s 400m heats, Nghihupwamunhu Nambala and Shitaleni Ndinoti were also unable to progress to the next round.

Speaking to Nampa after the morning session, Namibia Deaf Sport Federation president Abner Sheya said the athletes’ performance was affected by a lack of preparation and limited exposure to new technologies. ‘Our athletes are facing difficulties due to several factors. Some are still running in old shoes, and no training camp was held before travelling abroad, which impacted their preparation. Additionally, the new starting lights – red, orange and green – are unfamiliar to them, and they are still learning how to react properly,’ he said.

Despite the setbacks, Sheya expressed satisfaction with Nghikevali’s qualification for the semi-finals of the 400m event. ‘We still have the 200m events to compete in, and the rest of the team will continue with their races tomorrow. We will also see our athlete in the semi-finals, which is a big achievement,’ he said.

The Deaflympic Games are a multi-sport event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and recognised by the International Olympic Committee.