16 Jun 2024

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) has ascended to Tier 1 in the Botswana National Sport Associations Resource Allocation Scheme  for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The achievement follows a packed season of hosting local and international competitions as well as engaging in various projects of grass roots development.

BTTA public relations officer, Tshegofatso Malepa said the prestigious tier was reserved for country’s premier national sport associations, recognising exceptional performance and management.

She said with the elevation, BTTA joined the country’s elite sports codes, an opportunity that would see the code getting increased financial support, alongside stalwarts’ codes such as athletics and football.

Malepa said currently BTTA was receiving P200 000 annual grant from Botswana National Sports Commission.

She said 40 per cent of the grant was for sport development including coaches’ allowances, 30 per cent for administration and another 30 per cent for competitions which included grass roots development through Re Ba Bona Ha programmes.

BTTA president, Kudzanani Motswagole, was delighted about the milestone. “This is a tremendous achievement for table tennis in Botswana,” he stated.

“The association has demonstrated its ability to develop talent, achieve success on the continental and global stage, and effectively manage its resources,” he said.

He said promotion to Tier 1 demonstrated the dedication and hard work of BTTA and its athletes.

Motswagole said the journey to the promotion from Tier 4 to the pinnacle of Botswana’s sporting hierarchy had been fuelled by relentless commitment and strategic partnerships.

“BTTA’s long-standing sponsors, Phoenix Assurance Botswana and Stag Global, have been pivotal in this journey, offering steadfast support,” he said.

Additionally, Motswagole said the Indian High Commission had significantly contributed through scholarships that enabled Botswana’s athletes to gain international exposure and qualifications in India.

“We are truly thankful to our sponsors and partners who have believed in us and contributed to this success. Their support has been instrumental in helping table tennis reach these heights, and we look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration as we represent Botswana on the continental and global stage,” said Motswagole.

He said being elevated to Tier 1 was equally challenge for BTTA to work even harder to maintain the high status, something that would require sustained efforts and innovation.

“While we should celebrate this accomplishment, it is also a call for the association to redouble its efforts.

We must continue to lead by example and help drive the growth of sport in Botswana,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malepa said in a quest to grow the sport, BTTA will host the Africa Hopes Week and Challenge on July 8-14, a regional tournament featuring the continent’s top under 12 athletes.

“This will be followed by the Africa Youth Championships for under 15 and under 19 athletes on July 15-21, to be held at the Botho University Multi-Purpose Hall,” she said. Ends