09 Apr 2026

Botswana is leading ticket sales for the upcoming World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, with local supporters accounting for 69.5 per cent of purchases.

South Africa follows at 16.7 per cent, while Zimbabwe stands at 3.6 per cent and the United States at 3 per cent. Other countries each account for less than 2 per cent.

The figures highlight strong local interest, as Batswana prepare to witness their athletes compete in a high-profile international event on home soil for the first time.

Ticketing Committee Chairperson Naledi Lemogang said although exact ticket numbers could not be disclosed, sales trends were encouraging.

She noted that the South Stand was the most popular among buyers, though 95 per cent of tickets for both the Panda and South stands remain available.

In response to current economic pressures, including rising fuel prices, Lemogang said the Local Organising Committee (LOC) had maintained special combo ticket prices to keep the event affordable.

Combo tickets are priced at P500 for adults for both days, P300 for students and P200 for children under 18.

Tickets are available at selected BTC outlets, including Game City Mall (Choppies entrance), Bodiba Mall in Mogoditshane , Main Mall (opposite Immigration Offices), and Airport Junction Mall. They can also be purchased at the Botswana National Stadium.

Meanwhile, 24 countries have qualified for the men’s 4x400 meters relay, including Botswana, South Africa, Belgium, Qatar, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Jamaica, the Netherlands, France, Kenya, Portugal, Australia, Japan, Zimbabwe, China, Brazil, India, Hungary, Spain, Poland, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Germany, Nigeria and Thailand.

According to World Athletics, a maximum of 24 teams will compete in each event. In the mixed 4x100m, teams will be selected based on top world rankings.

Beyond competing for relay titles, teams will also be aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest and the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

Qualification opportunities will be available on both days of competition in Gaborone. The top six teams in the mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m will qualify for the 2026 Ultimate Championship, while 12 teams in each event will secure spots for the 2027 World Championships. 

ends