NASA announces new sport categories

The Namibia Sport Commission (NSC), in partnership with the sports ministry, officially launched the 2026 Namibia Annual Sports Awards (NASA) at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) headquarters in Windhoek yesterday.The prestigious 22nd Edition, which will be returning to Windhoek this year, is aimed at recognising, awarding and celebrating Namibia's elite and local sports stars on an international and national level.Speaking at the launch, NSC chief administrator Dr Freddy Mwiya said: "We are committed to celebrating those who continue to raise the Namibian flag with pride. We do not follow standards. We set the standard."NASA deputy director Magic Nyambe explained the technical overview of this year's awards, stating that they will focus on inclusivity to improve governance, transparency and international alignment.Brand-new categoriesThe NSC has introduced four brand-new categories under the Special Commendation Awards, which will include: 1 Sport Administrator of the Year Award: Designed to recognise excellence in sport administration and governance.2 Safe Sport Award: Highlighting the commission's commitment to safeguarding athletes and promoting safe, positive sporting environments.3 Fair Play Award: Honouring individuals who embody integrity, ethical conduct and genuine sportsmanship.4 Sustainable Sport Initiative Award: Celebrating organisations and initiatives that champion environmental responsibility, social impact and sustainability within sports.Qualifying periodThe qualifying period for this cycle covers all sporting achievements attained between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, with all nominations strictly evaluated under a newly revised NASA Rule Book. The online nominations will officially open on the 17th of July and will close on the 31st of August. All national sport federations, sport bodies and eligible stakeholders are urged to note the dates to ensure their submissions are finalised on time.Key structural changes to noteIn addition to the new categories, several changes have been made to streamline the awards:The Sport Star of the Year will no longer be a direct nomination category.Instead, the winner will be automatically determined from the highest overall scoring finalist across all eligible athlete categories.The former Federation of the Year Award and Community Inspiration Award have also been merged into a single category known as the Federation and Community Impact of the Year Award, as well as a single Sports Journalist of the Year Award, bringing together print, broadcast and digital journalism into one competitive category.2026 Award Categories are as follows1 Sport Star of the Year2 Sportsman of the Year3 Sportswoman of the Year4 Junior Sportsman of the Year5 Junior Sportswoman of the Year6 Sportsman of the Year with a Disability7 Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability8 Junior Sportsman of the Year with a Disability9 Junior Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability10 Sport Team of the Year11 Coach of the Year12 Umpire/Referee of the Year13 Federation and Community Impact of the Year14 Sport Development Programme of the Year15 Sports Journalist of the Year16 Professional Shining Star Award17 People's Choice Award- Following the announcement of the finalists, the Commission will open public voting for the People's Choice Award, allowing the public to vote for their favourite sports personality from the shortlisted finalists.18 Chairperson's Award19 Namibia Sport Hall of Fame20 Lifetime Achievement Award21 Sport Administrator of the Year22 Safe Sport Award23 Fair Play Award24 Sustainable Sport Initiative Award– tina@nma.com.na

NASA announces new sport categories

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-07-17

Please login to leave a comment

NASA announces new sport categories

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-07-17

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content