28 May 2024

Botswana’s chances of sending a boxing team to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have become very slim after George Molwanta lost his bout at the ongoing 2024 second World Qualification tournament held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Molwanta lost 5-0 to European Championship bronze medalist, Samuel Kistohurry of France.

While Botswana had sent three boxers to Thailand, only two competed, being Molwantwa and Phegie Bele.  

Kobamelo Molatlhegi did not compete, as the organisers did not allow him to take part in the tournament as he was not registered.

Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) secretary, Taolo Tlouetsile said in an interview that they had sent a team of three boxers but unfortunately they had a setback after Molatlhegi was unable to complete due to administrative issues. 

He said they had sent a capable team but unfortunately the two boxers could not make it to top three, which he said was the Olympic qualifying standard. 

“We are obviously disappointed, but the team did their best. We had only two opportunities, which was a continental qualification tournament in Dakar, Senegal then the Thailand event,” he said.

With IOC having put the inclusion of boxing on hold for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics programme, Tlouetsile was hopeful that it would be brought back in the Olympics.

“Remember that our strategy is aligned with the BNSC 2028 strategy. We are still hopeful and we believe that given a chance, boxers will qualify for LA,” he said. 

Meanwhile, athletics is the only code to date that has managed to qualify athletes for the Paris Olympics. 

Letsile Tebogo has qualified in 100m, 200m and 400m while Leungo Scotch, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebiantshipi have also qualified for 400m. The 4x400m relay team has also punched the qualifying ticket to the Olympic Games as well as Tshepiso Masalela and Kethobogile Haingura in 800m. ENDS