WINDHOEK, June 13– Namibian Para Olympian and recent winner of the African Union Sport Council (AUSC)’s Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), Ananias Shikongo is gearing up to make his mark at the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.
Having clinched the RASA Sportsman of the Year with para accolade while competing at the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan, Shikongo expressed his gratitude for the recognition, viewing it as a significant boost to his motivation as he prepares for Paris 2024.
“The award is also challenging me to remain vigilant so that I stay on the top and that next year I can also win it again for myself and for my country,” Shikongo said in an interview with Xinhua, pointing that he wants to raise the Namibian, African flag higher on global platforms.
On the other hand, Shikongo’s coach Letu Hamhola, who was honored with the RASA’s Coach of the Year Award, said this achievement came through determination, hard work and a support structure which is professional, emotional, physical and mental.
“It is not easy, it takes long hours of putting in the effort and sometimes you have to sacrifice your time with family so that you get more wins,” he added.
He said over the past 27 years that he has been an athlete coach. He believes in putting in the hard work and he never sees disability in athletes’ eyes, but only to discovers their talents and passions.
Hamhola describes Shikongo’s fortitude in his training as passion-driven and believes that he will keep climbing the ladder of success.
“My aim is to make the para athletes better in their skills and abilities. My zeal is triggered by challenges when there are challenges in my line of work, especially when I get sleepless nights trying to attain good results,” said Hamhola.
Four para-athletes from Namibia – Chris Kinda, Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala and Lahja Ishitile – have secured spots to compete at the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.
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