Windhoek: The 2026 Arysteq Simonis Storm Schools Table Tennis Series began at the Wanderers Sports Hall in Windhoek over the weekend, with a record-breaking 80 players competing in the opening tournament of the year. According to Namibia Press Agency, the first event of the season attracted 53 boys and 27 girls across five age divisions from Under-11 to Under-19. This marks the largest participation in the tournament's history and signals the continued growth of junior table tennis in Namibia. The competition, for the first time, was staged over two full days, from 13 to 14 March 2026, reflecting the increasing number of participants and the rising standard of play. The tournament introduced live online scoring and match updates, allowing families and supporters to follow the action in real time even if they were unable to attend in person. Several schools made their debut appearances at the event, which featured fast-paced rallies, closely contested matches, and determined performances from players who sho wcased both the skill and sportsmanship of Namibia's rising table tennis talent. Among the standout performers was Kamrouz Ghayouri of St Paul's College, who secured three titles across the older boys' divisions. Esther Nelengé of Olof Palme Primary also delivered an impressive performance, dominating the younger girls' categories and highlighting the depth of talent emerging in Namibian junior table tennis. Beyond the medals, organisers emphasised that the tournament plays a vital role in developing youth sport, providing competitive experience and strengthening school-level table tennis structures across the country. With participation continuing to grow each year, the series is rapidly becoming one of the most important platforms for nurturing Namibia's future national players. The momentum generated by the opening tournament now sets the stage for the second event of the 2026 series, scheduled for April. The exact dates are expected to be confirmed soon as players prepare for another competitive chapter in the season. Organisers expressed their gratitude to Arysteq and Simonis Storm for their fourth consecutive year of sponsorship, noting that their continued support has been instrumental in expanding the tournament, introducing innovations such as live scoring, and creating valuable opportunities for young athletes across Namibia to develop and compete.