Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-06 03:04:33
The Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) is gearing up for the African Games, set to take place from 8 to 23 March in Accra, Ghana. With a target of at least 10 medals in mind, the BNSC is hoping to showcase Botswana’s athletic prowess on the continental stage. In the previous edition of the games held in Rabat, Morocco in 2019, Botswana impressed with a total of 14 medals – five golds, three silvers, and six bronzes. However, this year, the team representing Botswana will be smaller in size compared to previous years.
The BNSC has selected nine sporting codes to compete in Ghana, including athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, judo, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, and weightlifting. A delegation of 54 athletes across these codes will be supported by 34 officials in their quest for glory. The commission’s emphasis on selecting Olympic sports is part of a strategic approach to aligning priorities with preparations for the upcoming Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
However, there has been some controversy surrounding the absence of notable athletes from the athletics roster. Key names such as Zibani Ngozi, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Tshepiso Masalela, who have been instrumental in Botswana’s past medal-winning efforts, are noticeably missing from the lineup, despite qualifying for Paris 2024. Athletics has been a top-performing discipline for Botswana at previous African Games, and the challenge now lies in moving forward without these seasoned champions.
The unveiling of the team marks a significant moment for Botswana’s athletic ambitions, as emerging talents step into the spotlight to uphold the nation’s legacy on the continental stage. The BNSC’s forward-looking approach to talent development and international competition highlights the country’s commitment to nurturing athletes for future Olympic success.
As Botswana prepares to compete in the African Games in Ghana, the absence of some well-known athletes from the roster has sparked discussion and raised questions about the team’s prospects. Despite this, the nation remains optimistic about its chances of achieving success at the games and continuing to make a mark on the African sporting landscape.
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