Confusion over Africa Games Olympic qualification

Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday December 16, 2023 07:42

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), Colonel Botsang Tshenyego says there is no opportunity for local boxers to qualify for Paris 2024 despite being a popular sport on the continent PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

However, it has transpired that eight sporting codes - athletics, badminton, cycling, swimming, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, and wrestling - will vie for Olympic slots during the Africa Games for Paris 2024.

The president of the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), Colonel Botsang Tshenyego conveyed that given the opportunity, they would exert influence for more slots at the Paris Games and additional benefits.

“If you look at boxing in the continent, it is a popular sport, but there is no opportunity for our boxers to qualify. Worse for Botswana as our only athletes from our Paris priority list are on Accra 2024 and arriving late when all continental games around the world have concluded,” he said.

The Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) president, Kudzanani Motswagole expressed uncertainty about the information surrounding the Africa Games. He contended that even if they were to participate, it would be challenging.

“I think we should focus on the development of talent and participating in regional tournaments. We have not reached that level. I do not want to find our association having to answer difficult questions when we fail to deliver, having pushed to attend Africa Games,” he said.

In response to queries, the Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) president, Kagiso Potongwane deferred questions to BNOC.

“Please refer to BNOC regarding this, as we have not had the opportunity to discuss the matter as a federation or with the BNOC,” he said. The games, initially slated for August this year, were rescheduled due to economic pressures, delays in preparations and disagreements between the AU (African Union), the ANOCA (Association of African National Olympic Committees), and the AASC (Association of African Sports Confederation).

However, amongst the 14 non-Olympic qualifying sports are Arm Wrestling, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cricket, football, handball, hockey, judo, karate, rugby, taekwondo, volleyball, and weightlifting.

Additionally, there are seven demonstration sports in the programme, namely esports, mixed martial arts, pickleball, scrabble, speedball, sambo, and teqball.

The Africa Games are scheduled for March 8-23 in Accra.