03 Nov 2022

Promotion of sport tourism should be counted among key initiatives in Botswana’s drive to economic diversification.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this when recently crowned World Boxing Federation (WBF) Junior Lightweight Champion, Steven Bagwasi, paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday.

Sport tourism, President Masisi said, was one of the growing sectors across the world, adding sporting events attracted tourists and boosted businesses.

“Sport tourism has a major socio-economic impact and the sector is increasingly recognised by governments and global business communities. I, therefore, have every confidence in the fact that sport can play pivotal role towards uplifting our social and economic development,” President Masisi said.

He thus urged Bagwasi to promote himself as a reputable sport brand that would attract endorsements from the private sector. “It is of great importance that you behave and live like a world champion so that you could attract sponsors and endorsement from the private sector to further nurture your brand,” he said.

President Masisi further encouraged Bagwasi to work extract hard in preparation of his title defending bout against South American, Marcio Soza, at Gaborone International Convention Centre December 16.

“You need to be a household name in the boxing fraternity and there is no better way to write your name in the boxing hall of fame than defend your title against some of the best boxers the world can offer,” President Masisi said.

For his part, Bagwasi appreciated the President for recognising his win saying ‘I  understand that  you  were not physically present at the event,  but  I am  grateful that you acknowledged  my victory in one of your recent addresses.’

 He said the world title was not only for his personal benefit, but for the nation as well, hence urging Batswana to take themselves as world champions.

Bagwasi claimed the WBF title after an unanimous decision victory against Said Chino of Tanzania on August 28 at the packed  University of Botswana sports arena. Ends