The fifth tournament (T5) of the highly successful Arysteq Asset Management & Simonis Storm Schools Tournament Series took place early this year, delivering exciting matches and breakthrough performances.
Namibia Table Tennis Association (NTTA) tournament director Theo Beukes says 86 players participated in the event, highlighting the continued growth and popularity of the tournament.
The field included 47 boys and 39 girls, representing schools from across the region and showcasing the depth of emerging young talent in Namibian table tennis.
He says the tournament marked an important milestone, with Hage Geingob School making its debut appearance in the series.
Adding to the tournament’s regional appeal, Origo Primary School travelled from Rehoboth to compete, demonstrating the increasing reach and impact of the competition.
“One of the standout features of the T5 was the remarkable competitiveness across the boys’ divisions. For the first time in the series, the boys’ categories produced five different champions, reflecting the growing strength and balance among the players and confirming that the battle for top honours is becoming more open than ever,” he says.
Several athletes produced breakthrough performances. Sakaria Imbondi of CJ Brandt Primary School captured his first-ever gold medal in the series, while Sabina Shanika also celebrated her maiden tournament victory, marking memorable milestones in their sporting journeys.
“The tournament produced several surprise results and demonstrated a clear improvement in playing standards across all age groups.
“Players showed increased confidence, technical skill, and competitive spirit, making for an entertaining event that was enjoyed by participants, coaches, parents, and supporters alike,” Beukes says.
Tournament organisers have expressed their appreciation to the schools, players, parents, and officials whose commitment continues to make the series a success.
Special recognition has been extended to Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm.
“With the level of competition continuing to rise and new champions emerging, the future of the tournament series looks brighter than ever.”
Beukes says the dates for the next event in the series will be announced shortly, and players will undoubtedly be eager to build on the momentum generated by this exciting fifth tournament.
“Together, we are growing the game, developing talent, and creating opportunities for the next generation of sporting excellence,” he says.
RESULTS:
Under-11 girls and boys
Gold: Esther Nelenge, Immanuel Hishidimbwa
Silver: Mckayla Clarke, Kilian Beukes
Bronze: Hadassah Rittman, Fortune Mbundje
Bronze: Hulda Nambudunga, Makundi Madzinga
Under-13 girls and boys
Gold: Sabina Shanika, Terence Kadandara
Silver: Esther Nelenge, Eliakim Namhila
Bronze: Wilhelmina Shivute, Don von Kunow
Bronze: Mckayla Clarke, Wilhelm Twyman
Under-15 girls and boys
Gold: Suverasaneje Ikorua, Silas Anguku
Silver: Ester Nelenge, Fillemon Ikanda
Bronze: Rachel Kambonde, Jason Kadandara
Bronze: Wilhelmina Shivute, Terence Kadandara
Under-17 girls and boys
Gold: Lian Gebauer, Fillemon Ikanda
Silver: Karolina Shigwedha, Sakaria Imbondi
Bronze: Sabina Shanika, Jason Kadandara
Bronze: Suverasaneje Ikorua, Silas Anguku
Under-19 girls and boys
Gold: Lian Gebauer, Sakaria Imbondi
Silver: Karolina Shigwedha, Fillemon Ikanda
Bronze: Justina Namupolo, Jason Kadandara
Bronze: Ester Shatika, Silas Anguku
