06 Jun 2022

Botswana has set a target of three medals at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

From her report at the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) assembly on Saturday, the chief executive officer Botho Bayendi said the aim was to have seven sporting codes qualifying for the Olympics.

“This objective will only be measurable as soon as qualification events for Paris 2024 open for the different sports.  We, however, wish to extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture for the support extended during the Tokyo 2020 Games,” she said.

She said they were also eyeing participation at major games such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and regional, continental and World Championships that would serve as a spring board to prepare and qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

She said BNOC was open to supporting more federations with potential and interest in working towards qualifying athletes for the Olympics.

She said Botswana was able to acquire its maiden Olympic medal back in London in 2012 through Nijel Amos who bagged a silver medal.

“We were once again able to bring home a bronze medal at the recently ended Tokyo 2020 Games in Japan in 2021 through the men’s 4x400m relay team,” she said Furthermore, Bayendi said BNOC also intends to work closely with National Federations to bring out the best in players.

Talking about this year’s Commonwealth Games billed for Birmingham she said their projection was four gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Bayendi said at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Team Botswana won three gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

“The new talent discovered leaves us optimistic of attaining our goals ahead of Birmingham 2022,” she said.

She, however, said the BNOC continues to engage with the Ministry on the matter of early release of funds ahead of events to allow ample time for preparations. ENDs