Botswana’s sports ambitions have never been higher, with the nation boldly setting a target to win five Olympic gold medals by the year 2028. This goal, was announced by the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, during a celebratory event for Botswana’s Olympic athletes, dinner at Ditshupo Hall last week.
Addressing a room filled with the nation’s top athletes, coaches, family members to athletes, media and sports officials, Rakgare reflected on the country’s remarkable journey from its Olympic debut in 1980 to the triumphs at the Paris 2024 Games. He expressed pride in Botswana’s achievements, particularly the country’s first-ever gold medal won in Paris, and laid out the government’s ambitious plan for the future.
“If ever we were starting to doubt our ability to secure five Olympic Gold medals by the year 2028, now our resolve has been emboldened. We have one in the bag and four to go!” declared Rakgare, highlighting the determination that now fuels Botswana’s sporting community.
Rakgare pointed out that in the past six years alone, Botswana has managed to secure two World Championship medals and three Olympic medals, a significant leap from the single Olympic medal won in the 38 years from 1980 to 2018.
The minister credited this success to the strong foundations laid by past leaders and the unwavering support from various stakeholders, including the government, the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), and private sector partners. However, he also acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the need to address the declining number of female Olympians and the reduced
diversity of sports codes represented at the Olympics.
Rakgare challenged sports leaders to rise to the occasion, ensuring gender balance and broadening the range of sports in which Botswana competes. “I am concerned about the dwindling number of female Olympians over the years. I challenge you to ensure we attain gender balance in our teams and increase the number of codes participating across all competitions,” he urged.
With just four years until the 2028, Los Angeles Olympics, the race is on for Botswana to achieve its ambitious target. The country’s sports institutions are now under pressure to deliver, but with the momentum generated by recent successes, there is a growing sense of confidence that Botswana can reach this new pinnacle of sporting achievement.
As Botswana looks towards the future, one thing is clear: the nation is ready to dream big, and the world will be watching as it strives to make these dreams a reality.
Addressing a room filled with the nation’s top athletes, coaches, family members to athletes, media and sports officials, Rakgare reflected on the country’s remarkable journey from its Olympic debut in 1980 to the triumphs at the Paris 2024 Games. He expressed pride in Botswana’s achievements, particularly the country’s first-ever gold medal won in Paris, and laid out the government’s ambitious plan for the future.
“If ever we were starting to doubt our ability to secure five Olympic Gold medals by the year 2028, now our resolve has been emboldened. We have one in the bag and four to go!” declared Rakgare, highlighting the determination that now fuels Botswana’s sporting community.
Rakgare pointed out that in the past six years alone, Botswana has managed to secure two World Championship medals and three Olympic medals, a significant leap from the single Olympic medal won in the 38 years from 1980 to 2018.
The minister credited this success to the strong foundations laid by past leaders and the unwavering support from various stakeholders, including the government, the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), and private sector partners. However, he also acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the need to address the declining number of female Olympians and the reduced
diversity of sports codes represented at the Olympics.
Rakgare challenged sports leaders to rise to the occasion, ensuring gender balance and broadening the range of sports in which Botswana competes. “I am concerned about the dwindling number of female Olympians over the years. I challenge you to ensure we attain gender balance in our teams and increase the number of codes participating across all competitions,” he urged.
With just four years until the 2028, Los Angeles Olympics, the race is on for Botswana to achieve its ambitious target. The country’s sports institutions are now under pressure to deliver, but with the momentum generated by recent successes, there is a growing sense of confidence that Botswana can reach this new pinnacle of sporting achievement.
As Botswana looks towards the future, one thing is clear: the nation is ready to dream big, and the world will be watching as it strives to make these dreams a reality.
