13 May 2025

As the curtain fell on the 2025 World Athletics Relays at the Guangdong Olympic Stadium in Guangzhou, China, all eyes are now turning towards Botswana, the next host of the next years’ event. 

The relays will be held on 2-3 May 2026, making Botswana the first African nation to host the World Relays. This year, over 700 athletes from 43 countries gathered in Guangzhou, and expectations are high that Gaborone will see even more participants, particularly as some athletes faced visa issues that prevented their participation in China.

Moses Bantsi, president of the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), led a benchmarking team to Guangzhou to gather insights on hosting major events. In an interview, Bantsi noted the importance of learning best practices. He said the team attended workshops covering the objectives of hosting and the responsibilities of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

“We went through all the departments such as competition venue, commercial, marketing, communication, broadcasting, and media. We even explored the warm-up area and got a behind-the-scenes look during the relay finals for a real feel of the event,” he said.

Bantsi emphasised the  need for Botswana to be prepared, citing the extensive planning required for such a significant occasion. 

“This will be a big event, and it is crucial for us to recognise the commitment and seriousness it demands. Delivering the World Relays is no small feat,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Bantsi expressed confidence that Gaborone would attract a larger number of athletes and countries, given its geographic proximity to many nations. 

“The Bahamas relays saw participation from 57 countries, but due to travel and visa issues in Guangzhou, we are expecting greater numbers in Gaborone,” he added.

Elias Makori, a Kenyan freelance journalist and sports media operations consultant, stressed the importance of resolving internal conflicts within the athletics code and start preparations immediately. He pointed out that the delayed completion of the National Stadium track ahead of the recent Botswana Golden Grand Prix was disappointing. 

“All facilities must be ready this year to facilitate test events and ensure a seamless ticketing system. Botswana has the talent and capability but must not rest on their laurels,” Makori remarked. ENDS