31 Aug 2025

 Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) has assembled two teams that will represent the country at the up coming World Athletics Championships and  the World Para Athletics Championships.

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo, Japan from September 13 to 21 while the World Para Athletics Championships are scheduled for New Delhi, India from September 27 to October 5.

Speaking at a  joint send-off ceremony in Gaborone on August 29,  BNSC acting chief executive officer Makuke Makuke asked the athletes to aim for victory,  reminding them that the true worth of a champion was not measured by medals only, but integrity and character.

He also cautioned  them to stay away from performance-enhancing drugs. “We want victories that are pure, clean, and earned through hard work and sacrifice. Remember, there is no place for doping in Botswana sport,” he said.

Makuke said the championships were stepping stone to even greater horizons, including Los Angeles 2028. He therefore  urged the athletes to use the opportunity to test their limits, learn and inspire other young Batswana. 

Furthermore, he said he was happy that for the first time, able-bodied athletes and para-athletes were sent off together, shoulder to shoulder, and united in purpose. “This joint send-off is more than symbolic, it is a true reflection of the Botswana we strive for, a nation of inclusivity, unity and shared excellence,” he said.

He commended both Botswana Athletics Association and the Paralympic Association of Botswana for the bold and visionary step.

Botswana Athletics Association acting president Oabona Theetso pleaded with Batswana to support the athletes as they would be representing the nation. “Please let us give them all the support they need. Our objective at the championships is to make Batswana happy,” he said.

The World Athletics Championships team is made up of Letsile Tebogo (100m, 200m), Oratile Nowe (800m), Lee Eppie and Bayapo Ndori (400m) ,while Collen Kebinatshipi, Leungo Scotch, Zibani Ngozi and Justice Oratile will feature in the 4x400m relay. Tshepiso Masalela and Kethobogile Haingura will represent the country in 800m men’s category.  The 400m hurdles has Kemorena Tisang and Victor Ntweng.

World Para Athletics Championships team consist of Ronald Rich (200m, 400m T37), Edwin Masuge (400m T13), Tumo Masejane (400m T13), Lame Monamati (400m T12). Bose Mokgwati will represent the country in 400m T13, Katlego Matuto (400m T12)Onkamile Bankaetse and his guide (400m T11) and Gloria Majaga in 400m T13. ENDS