Namibia is emerging as a contender in international beach volleyball largely due to the inspiring efforts of the **Krafft family**, whose passion and dedication are setting a precedent for sports development in the country.

A Family-Driven Approach

At the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in Puebla, Mexico, young brothers Max and Jura Krafft, aged 19 and 17 respectively, represented Namibia in what marked their debut on the world stage. Their journey began with a stunning gold-medal finish at the 2025 U21 African Beach Volleyball Championship in Morocco—an achievement that earned Namibia its spot in the global tournament.

Teamwork Begins at Home

Central to the brothers’ success is the unwavering support from their family:

• Martin Krafft, their father, serves as the team's coach, despite his background in soccer.
• Inka Krafft, their mother, manages the logistics for the team.

This closely-knit support system underscores how family commitment can overcome limited infrastructure and financial support in smaller sporting nations.

Overcoming Limited Resources

Namibia's beach volleyball scene is still in its infancy. The country currently has just three active clubs. Funding for international tournaments often comes directly from the Krafft family and their local supporters, highlighting both the challenges and the lengths families like theirs go to in pursuit of athletic excellence.

Making National History in Puebla

In their opening pool match, the Krafft brothers achieved a historical milestone by winning a set against a strong Czech team—something no Namibian team had accomplished at this level. Despite two narrow losses, the duo remains competitive in their pool, with a crucial match against Poland's Szymon Beta and Artem Besarab on the horizon.

Setting Sights on Olympic Dreams

Looking forward, the brothers have ambitious goals, including representing Namibia at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Their participation in the Puebla championship is more than a personal journey—it’s a vital step in growing Namibia's presence in beach volleyball.

As youth engagement in the sport grows back home, the Kraffts are not only paving their own way but also laying the foundation for future generations in Namibia.

To read the full story, visit the FIVB official website.