Patience Makwele
Three Namibian boxers returned home from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with medals, pride and a message for young athletes across the country, proving that discipline, sacrifice and determination can turn sporting dreams into international achievements.
Namibia’s boxing team delivered the country’s medal success at the Games, with Tryagain Morning Ndevelo winning a silver medal, while Mischa Monique Araes and Philip Pumulo Mutakela Haoseb each claimed bronze.
The athletes received a heroes’ welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Wednesday, where family members, supporters and representatives from the sports fraternity gathered to celebrate their achievements.
The three medallists and their coaches were recognised with monetary rewards totalling N$195 000 under the government’s sports reward policy, administered through the Namibia Sport Commission.
Education deputy minister Dino Ballotti said the athletes’ performances were a source of national pride and showed young Namibians what can be achieved through commitment and hard work.
He said their success should motivate more young people to participate in sport and pursue excellence at both national and international level.
For Ndevelo, the achievement represented more than a personal milestone. He credited Namibians for standing behind the team throughout their journey in Glasgow.
“Let me thank every Namibian who is here. We are so grateful for the effort and the prayers. You spent sleepless nights praying for us, the best of the country, and we are very much grateful,” he said.
The medal-winning performances also continued Namibia’s proud boxing tradition, with the sport remaining one of the country’s strongest codes on the international stage.
For young athletes watching from local boxing gyms, schools and communities, the Glasgow campaign offered proof that opportunities exist beyond Namibia’s borders.
The success of Ndevelo, Araes and Haoseb has shown that reaching an international podium does not happen overnight. Behind every medal are years of training, setbacks, discipline and the determination to continue even when success seems far away.
The Namibia National Olympic Committee, Namibia Sport Commission and Namibia Boxing Federation officials who attended the homecoming ceremony said the performances provide a strong foundation as the country prepares for future international competitions.
As the celebrations continue, the three boxers have left behind more than medals. They have created a new benchmark for young Namibians who dream of representing their country showing that talent, when combined with commitment and support, can take athletes from local arenas to the biggest stages in the world.
