Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially handed over the Namibian flag to Team Namibia ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, urging athletes to represent the country with pride, discipline and sportsmanship.
The flag handover ceremony took place at State House in Windhoek, marking Namibia’s ninth participation in the Commonwealth Games, which will take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated the athletes, coaches, administrators, families and supporters whose efforts contributed to Team Namibia’s qualification for the international competition.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
She praised the Namibia National Olympic Committee and the Namibia Commonwealth Games Association for their commitment to sports development and preparing the team for the global event.
“To our athletes, congratulations on this achievement. The excitement and anticipation displayed on your faces demonstrate the significance of this moment,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She said the athletes’ dedication, sacrifices and countless hours of training had earned them the honour of representing Namibia on the international stage.
“As your number one cheerleader, I will be supporting and following your journey throughout the competition,” she said, adding that the nation stood behind the team with pride and anticipation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded the athletes that their participation extended beyond competition, saying they would serve as ambassadors of Namibia while promoting unity, respect and excellence.
“Conduct yourselves with integrity, humility, respect and sportsmanship. Compete fairly, respect the rules and values of your respective sporting discipline, and demonstrate the character that unites us as a nation, ‘One Namibia-One Nation’,” she said.
The President also highlighted the role of sport in national development, youth empowerment and social cohesion, saying the government had prioritised sports as a key sector under the Eighth Administration.
She said government had identified 28 sites across the country for the construction and upgrading of basic sports facilities in all 14 regions.
“Sports does not only keep people fit, but it also creates opportunities for young people, promotes healthy lifestyles, strengthens social cohesion, instils discipline, promotes harmony amongst people from different cultures and showcases our national identity on the international stage,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She encouraged Team Namibia to use the Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to learn, grow and inspire future generations of athletes.
The President concluded by entrusting the national flag to the team and urging athletes to carry it with pride and dignity.
“May this flag remind you of the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for you, the unity of our people, and the responsibility you carry as representatives of Namibia,” she said.
