Anti-Doping Namibia drives awareness at 2026 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup

Anti-Doping Namibia is ramping up efforts to educate young athletes on the dangers of doping during this year’s Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, currently underway at Keetmanshoop.

Speaking at the event on Friday morning, Victoria Kakukula, a representative involved in anti-doping initiatives, says the organisation is hosting an exhibition booth aimed at raising awareness among players and the broader community.

Kakukula said this is not their first appearance at the tournament, having previously conducted a similar outreach campaign three years ago at Otjiwarongo.

She highlighted that they want to engage athletes to inform them about the risks associated with doping.

Namibia’s anti-doping efforts are guided by the World Anti-Doping Agency through its World Anti-Doping Code, which outlines the rules and policies governing the fight against doping in sport, she said.

Currently, Namibia does not have an independent National Anti-Doping Organisation, with the Namibian National Olympic Committee serving as the interim body. However, Kakukula noted that progress is being made to establish a fully independent Anti-Doping Namibia, with a draft bill already submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

She said the global anti-doping framework is evolving, with a revised World Anti-Doping Code set to come into effect in 2027.

At the grassroots level, Kakukula emphasised that awareness remains a major challenge. She said many athletes still have limited understanding of what constitutes doping, which goes beyond the use of banned substances and can include actions such as missing a scheduled test or simply being in possession of a prohibited substance.

“Most athletes think doping is only about drugs, but it’s more than that,” she said, stressing the importance of education to ensure fair competition.

The Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup, which brings together teams from all 14 regions, provides an ideal platform to promote clean sport and reinforce the importance of maintaining a level playing field, she added.

Members of the public and athletes are encouraged to visit the Anti-Doping Namibia stand, where interactive activities such as quizzes and spin and win competitions are being used to educate and engage participants.

Kakukula said the initiative aims to ensure that while participants enjoy the tournament, they also leave better informed about the principles of clean sport.

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