Namibia wrestlers return with 35 medals from South African Championships
The Namibia Wrestling Federation (NWF) celebrated a remarkable achievement after its largest-ever team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 South African Greco-Roman National Championships in Pretoria.
The Namibian delegation, consisting of 35 wrestlers, returned home with an impressive haul of 35 medals, underlining the rapid growth and competitiveness of the sport in the country.
Competing against some of the best wrestlers in the region, the Namibian athletes secured 14 gold medals, 12 silver medals and nine bronze medals, while four wrestlers narrowly missed out on podium finishes by placing fourth in their respective divisions.
The championships, held last weekend, were historic in their own right, attracting a record 591 entries and becoming the largest Greco-Roman wrestling competition ever staged in South Africa. More than 760 matches were contested throughout a demanding day that started with weigh-ins at 07:15 and concluded shortly after 23:00.
NWF's largest-ever delegation
Against this highly competitive backdrop, Namibia's wrestlers rose to the occasion, producing one of the country's most successful performances at an international wrestling event.
The achievement is particularly significant considering that the NWF had sent its largest-ever delegation to the championships. The team included athletes from U8 level through to senior competition, highlighting the depth of talent being developed across the country's wrestling structures.
Greco-Roman wrestling, one of the oldest Olympic sports, places emphasis on upper-body strength, technical skill and tactical awareness, with athletes prohibited from attacking below the waist. The discipline is renowned for its spectacular throws and physically demanding nature.
The medal haul reflects years of investment in athlete development, coaching and competition exposure by the NWF. It also serves as a strong indication that Namibian wrestling is continuing to make significant strides on the regional stage.
NWF officials praised the wrestlers, coaches, team managers and support staff for their dedication and commitment throughout the competition, noting that the results will inspire the next generation of Namibian wrestlers.
With 35 medals from 35 entries, the championships will go down as one of the federation's most successful international outings and a landmark moment for wrestling in Namibia.
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