12 Mar 2020

Botswana’s Olympic preparations might be affected by the cancellation of external travel due to COVID-19 threat.

The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC)’s mission was to send three relay teams; 4x400 metres teams for both men and women and the mixed relay team to the Tokyo Olympics.

Now, their plans might be affected since government has taken a decision to cancel all external trips until further notice due to COVID-19.

BNOC, chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said in an interview that their preparations were likely to also be affected as they had plans to send teams to other countries to seek qualification.

Furthermore, he said if the travel ban stays longer, it would even affect their preparations.

Serufho said their target for the Olympics would be affected looking at the number of athletes they had wanted to send to the Olympics.

Only four athletes, Nijel Amos, Christine Botlogetswe, Galefele Moroko and Keamogetse Kenosi have so far qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

According to a press release from Botswana National Sports Commission, govenment has taken a decision to cancel all planned external travel of Botswana national teams and the hosting of any international teams until further notice.

According to a press release, this is a precautionary measure to protect sport persons from possible infection by the virus and to reduce its possible spread to Botswana.

The release further says the decision was made considering the serious consequences of infection of any of local sport person and the risk to the entire nation.

“It is therefore important that Botswana sport plays its part and acts responsibly in the midst of this health crisis.

Travel restrictions will therefore remain in force until further notice. The situation will however, continue to be monitored,” says the release. ENDS