Tokyo: Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Namibia in Japan, Rebecca Iyambo, has called on Namibian athletes competing in the 25th edition of the Deaflympics to believe in themselves while flying the Namibian flag high. The Deaflympic Games are a multi-sport event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 2025 Games are underway in the Japanese capital, with the athletics events being held at the Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Ground Athletic Field. During the team's courtesy visit to the Namibian Embassy in Japan on Thursday, Iyambo urged the athletes to be positive and believe in themselves when entering the field of play.

'You don't need to feel inferior to anyone at all. For you, it is the first time you are running in such a big crowd. For those people, it may be the second, third, fifth, or tenth time. So, even if you come last, don't feel afraid,' she said. She added that the mere fact that the athletes were selected to represent Namibia in Tokyo is already a victory in itself.

'I'm celebrating all of you. You are winners in your own right. So when you're going to get on that track, you are going to believe in yourself, believe in your God. First of all, before you make anybody proud, before you make the government proud, before you make me proud, think of yourself. Make yourself proud. So even when you come last and you feel you've done your very best, you'll be very happy,' Iyambo said.

The acting ambassador added that she would not want to see any athletes putting pressure on themselves or feeling bad or sad because they did not win. 'I want you to go out there and make yourself proud before you make any other person proud, and know the fact that you have come here because you are capable. You are better,' she said.