Despite the crippling effects of Covid-19 on sports globally, chairman of the Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBWCB) Bernard Haufiku says he is satisfied with how the local boxing fraternity have handled and conducted themselves during the pandemic.
Contact sport codes such as football, boxing, rugby, hockey, basketball and wrestling – to mention but a few, were all permitted to stage activities after the national lockdown was lifted but they can only host such activities behind closed doors and with limited spectators in attendance.
Also, all sport codes are mandated to conduct their activities under strict health and safety protocols as provided for in government’s Covid-19 regulations.
Although it is frustrating for event organisers to host mega events without spectators, Haufiku says he is, however, impressed the way the local boxing community has managed to host events while maintaining and observing the set Covid-19 health regulations.
“I am satisfied with how we, in the boxing fraternity, have conducted ourselves during these challenging times. The boxers, officials, spectators – and everyone at large – played their role in ensuring we are not spreading the virus any further. I’m glad that as a fraternity, we continue to play our part in helping government curb the virus,” says Haufiku.
Haufiku added that going forward, the boxing board will start looking at ways in which boxing events can be hosted outside, which he notes will be the best way to ease the burden on those participating.
“People were social distancing and sanitising their hands at all times and that was very encouraging to witness – and I think it played a huge role. Also, face masks were worn at all times by the limited spectators and that’s how we should continue doing things. We are looking forward to hosting events outside; I have observed that this could be another alternative to safely host events without people being too close together. This will help in fighting the virus too,” he added.
–neweralive.na
