BAA confronts doping concerns, decline in women's participation

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) continues to be one of the country's most successful sporting federations, consistently placing Botswana on the global athletics map through outstanding performances by its athletes.

From regional competitions to world championships, Botswana's track and field stars have continued to bring honour to the nation. However, maintaining such high standards requires continuous introspection, strategic planning, and the willingness to address emerging challenges.

It was against this backdrop that the BAA convened its Annual General Assembly on Saturday, where delegates reflected on both the achievements and challenges facing athletics in the country.

Among the key issues highlighted were the growing number of doping cases and the decline in female participation at elite levels of the sport.

Addressing the assembly, BAA Acting President Oabona Theetso acknowledged that while Botswana has much to celebrate, doping remains a significant concern for athletics.

"Just on Wednesday, May 27, we were informed that Letlhogonolo Mokgethi tested positive for a banned substance. We viewed him as a promising young athlete who was expected to follow in the footsteps of senior competitors such as Tshepiso Masalela and Kethobogile Haingura," said Theetso.

He further revealed that four local athletes had instituted legal action against the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) and other stakeholders, including the BAA, over disputed doping test results.

"We are relying on the BNOC and the National Anti-Doping Office (NADO) for guidance. Given that the matter is currently before the courts, I am unable to comment further," he added.

Theetso also expressed concern over the declining number of female athletes competing at the highest level.

According to him, Oratile Nowe is currently the only Botswana woman competing consistently on the global stage, a situation the association is keen to reverse.

"Part of our future strategy must involve a deliberate effort to nurture and develop the girl child to qualify and compete at the highest level. Oratile was the lone female representative at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games," he said.

Despite the challenges, Theetso praised the commitment of athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and supporters who continue to elevate Botswana's profile on the international stage.

"Our athletes have continued to deliver exceptional performances, from local competitions to continental events such as the Africa U-18 and U-20 Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria, where they made a strong impression," he said.

He noted that Botswana's achievements at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, represented another landmark moment for the sport, with athletes recording personal bests, reaching semifinals and finals, and winning historic medals for the country.

Special recognition was given to Collen Kebinatshipi, whose performances etched his name into Botswana's sporting history.

"Kebinatshipi made history by winning Botswana's first-ever gold medal in the men's 400 metres, before helping secure another gold in the 4x400m relay," Theetso said.

As Botswana athletics continues its upward trajectory, the BAA believes addressing issues such as doping and gender imbalance will be critical to sustaining the country's success on the global stage.