The Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Youth Service has released a statement in which it congratulates the two sprint sensations Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi for their sterling performance in Europe midweek and over the weekend.
The statement, unusually released on Sunday, and bearing the name of Aina Shikesho who is the ministry’s spokesperson, is testimony to the fact that the two athletes have stolen the attention of the world at a time when Namibia is making international headlines for the steep rise in the Covid-19 cases.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service wishes to congratulate Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi for their victories in the 200 m and 400 m respectively,” the Ministry says.
“Masilingi clocked 49.88 seconds at the Orlen Janusz Kusonciski Memorial event in Poland. While record-breaking Mboma clocked 22.79 sec at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Madrid, Spain. The country is grateful for their wins, which speaks of the resilience they displayed throughout these unprecedented, challenging times as the world battles the coronavirus.
“Christine and Beatrice are champions.
“Their legend grows with every win. As the Tokyo Olympic Games draws closer, you should prepare like an athlete, eat like a nutritionist, sleep like a baby and win like a champion. The nation is behind you. You put Namibia on the map once again.
“So far, the country has 10 athletes who have qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. They are Helalia Johannes, Rainhold Thomas, Beatrice Masilingi and Christine Mboma for Athletics; Jonas Junias for Boxing; Dan Craven, Alex Miller, Michelle Vorster and Vera Looser for Cycling and Maike Diekmann for Rowing. The Government renews its commitment to ensuring that for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Team Namibia is financially supported.”
In the photo: Christine Mboma going for the finishing line.
