- Botswana outlines preparations, funding gaps, and medal ambitions ahead of major multi-sport events
TLOTLO KEBINAKGABO
The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has outlined its roadmap for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for July 23 to August 2, alongside updates on the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
For the Commonwealth Games, team Botswana will compete in six sporting codes: athletics, boxing, judo, lawn bowling, weightlifting, and swimming, while basketball 3×3 failed to qualify despite competing at the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup in Madagascar in December 2025.
BNOC CEO Dorothy Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe confirmed that accreditation for the Glasgow Games was completed on March 21, covering athletes, officials, and dignitaries. “Accredited personnel is made up of dignitaries, team officials… and athletes,” she said during a press conference held at BNOC offices in Gaborone yesterday (Tuesday).
She added that weightlifting is being supported for qualification events in Samoa and Egypt, while athletics preparations include the Sepeng Invitational Challenge and the World Athletics Relays. Boxing and judo have already participated in international competitions, while lawn bowling will stage local and international training camps.
Funding Concerns
The BNOC has received a P2 million grant from the Ministry of Sports and Arts (MOSA) for Commonwealth Games preparations. However, Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe revealed that a larger budget proposal remains pending.
“The BNOC has submitted a proposed budget of P16,586,874.00… and we were advanced with P2,612,000.00. Follow-ups have been made, and the BNOC is currently awaiting feedback,” she said.
Additional support of P751,000 from Commonwealth Sport has already been utilised for preparations.
Dakar Updates
For the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Botswana initially proposed a 22-athlete team across eight sports. However, the first allocation reduced this to six athletes in four codes.
“The BNOC intends to formally request additional slots,” Tlagae-Gaseitsiwe noted.
Preparations are ongoing, with athletics selections set after national championships in early April, while boxing, judo, and swimming athletes continue their build-up through competitions and training.
Leadership Focus
BNOC President Tshepo Sitale highlighted the appointment of Chef de Mission Tebogo Ntesang for Glasgow, describing her as “experienced… with a Masters in Olympic Studies and a seasoned sports administrator.”
For Dakar, Lechedzani “Master” Luza has been appointed, with Sitale stating: “They applied and they were interviewed… it was very transparent. The beauty about us is that we have standards that have to be met.”
Sitale also pointed to structural changes in athletics events at the Commonwealth Games. “4x400m will not be there… there will be 4x100m only,” he said.
Despite this, expectations remain high for the Commonwealth Games. “Medal target for this one is seven medals, two gold, two silver and three bronze,” Sitale said.