23 Jul 2021

Botswana delegation on Friday afternoon entered the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in style donning Leteise attires instead of the traditional Blue, Black and White colours.

Led by veteran 400 meters runner Amantle Montsho and swimmer James Freeman, team Botswana was number 167 in the procession due to Japanese alphabetic order.

Explaining their choice of Leteisi, Botswana chef de mission Tshepo Sitale said in an interview immediately after the parade that their opening ceremony attire was motivated by the fact that they were selling Botswana to the world.

He said often people wore suits, adding that currently Batswana were associated with Leteise in different celebrations like weddings.

“So in Olympics Games we are celebrating what we are as Batswana, we are here to also showcase our culture, we are not here for competitions only as Botswana, “he said.

Game Mothibi who is in Japan as part of the Olympic Broadcasting services workforce, working at Kasumigaseki Country Club as production venue assistant, said the feeling of being part of parade at major games was great.

“But the Olympics parade must be the best feeling ever, being in your cultural attire and seeing the flag of your country hoisted in front of you is a blessing that you are an ambassador for your country”.

Mothibi said seeing Team Botswana in Leteisi at Tokyo2020 Olympics, as their official attire gave her goosebumps.

“It   makes us emotional and makes us love our team even more. The blue Leteisi with blue, black and white flag give our athletes honor and respect from Batswana, that we are happy they are representing us. Leteisi gives our team identity with the most beautiful and peaceful country, Botswana,” she said.

Meanwhile Botswana has sent a team of 14 athletes. The team includes Nijel Amos who will be competing in the 800 metres.

In 400 metres women there is Montsho, Galefele Moroko and Christine Botlogetswe, while Isaac Makwala and Leungo Scotch will represent the country in the 400 metres men. The 4 x400 men’s relay team comprises Baboloki Thebe, Anthony Pesela,Zibani Ngozi,Bayapo Ndori,Makwala and Scotch.

In Boxing Mahommed Rajab will compete in the 52 kg category, while Keamogetse Kenosi will be in the 57 kg.

In weightlifting the country is represented by Magdeline Moyengwa in the 59 kg, while swimmer James Freeman will represent Botswana in the 200m and 400m freestyle. ENDS