09 May 2023

The Debswana National Athletics Championships will be held at the National Stadium later this month.

Botswana Athletic Association vice president, Oabona Theetso said preparations were on track to host the most cherished event in their calendar.

He said the championships would be invitational and that there would be the youth, junior and senior categories for both males and females.

The country’s top athletes, he said, were expected to compete in the championships as most were seeking to qualify for major international competitions, including the World Championships in Budapest, August.

Furthermore, he said they had taken the decision to prioritise field events and that they would have shot put, javelin as well aslong, high and triple jump.

For track, he said athletes would compete in different races ranging from 100 metres to 1 500 metres.

He said the 400 metre runner, Collen Kebinatshipi, who recently qualified for the World Championships, was also expected to race.

Other athletes to look out for include 800 metres specialists; Tshepiso Masalela, Boitumelo Masilo and 400 metres runner Baboloki Thebe.

Theetso noted that Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Leungo Scotch would not be available, as they had already qualified for the World Championships.

He noted that the trio were set to compete at the Rabat Diamond League during the same weekend as the national championships.

Theetso said the Rabat race would give the athletes a chance to prepare for the World Championships. ENDS