Namibia shines at South African National Wrestling Championships

Wrestling
  • 20 Hours Ago
The Namibian Wrestling Federation proudly showcased the nation’s rising wrestling talent at the South African National Championships held over the weekend. The youth team, comprising 16 boys and 3 girls aged 8–15, delivered a remarkable performance over three days of intense competition, returning home with a total of 22 medals: 7 Gold, 6 Silver, and 9 Bronze.



Day 1 – Freestyle

Namibia kicked off the tournament in the freestyle age categories with strong performances. Standout results included:

Gold: Milan van der Merwe (U10, 29.2–32.1kg)

Silver: Caleb Grimbeeck (U13, 27.1–28.8kg), Granville Swartz (U13, 30.8–33.8kg), Liam Slabber (U08, 28.2–30.1kg)

Bronze: Christiaan van Dyk (U08, 22.9–25.2kg), Blessing Paulus (U09, 24.4–26.7kg), Francois le Roux (U11, 30.4–33.3kg)



Day 2 – Freestyle Presidents, GR President Juniors, and Women’s Wrestling Presidents

The second day brought further success in the Presidents categories, where wrestlers compete within weight classes regardless of age. Highlights included:

Gold: Lisias Shipopyeni (GR Junior, 55.0–60.0kg)

Silver: Jasmine Gaweses (WW Pres Schools, 31.8–34.5kg)

Bronze: Francois le Roux (President Schools, 31.2–34.3kg), Rosalia Haimbodi (WW Pres Junior, 42.7–46.7kg)



Day 3 – Greco-Roman, GR President Schools, and Women’s Wrestling

Namibia ended the championship on a high note, dominating Greco-Roman and Women’s Wrestling school age categories. Top performers included:

Gold: Caleb Grimbeeck (U13, 27.0–29.4kg), Jasmine Gawases (WW U13, 30.4–32.0kg), Christiaan van Dyk (U08, 22.9–25.1kg), Blessing Paulus (President, 26.9–28.2kg), Liam Slabber (U08, 30.5–33.5kg)

Silver: Jacques le Roux (U08, 26.9–28.8kg), Granville Swartz (U13, 33.6–36.9kg)

Bronze: Rosalia Haimbodi (WW U15, 44.8–49.0kg), Francois le Roux (U11, 31.0–33.6kg), Lisias Shipopyeni (U15, 55.0–60.0kg), Werner Klein (U11, 42.2–45.5kg)



Overall Medal Tally:

Gold: 7

Silver: 6

Bronze: 9

Total: 22



The Namibian Wrestling Federation extends heartfelt thanks to the coaches, officials, parents, and supporters whose dedication made this international participation possible. Special recognition is also given to the South African Wrestling Federation and wrestling community for their hospitality and support in creating this development platform.



Most importantly, the young Namibian athletes deserve praise for their hard work, determination, and sportsmanship , flying the Namibian flag high and demonstrating that Namibia is emerging as a competitive wrestling nation in Southern Africa.