Initially, the BNSC had rejected the application to host the event. The BBA president, Modisaotsile Badubi, told SportMonitor that there was a misunderstanding but the matter has been resolved and they have been given the green light by the Commission.
When asked about the budget for the tournament, Badubi was cagey with the details as he indicated that the budget is still an internal issue. “Being allowed to host the event is an incredible opportunity in all honesty. It is an opportunity to showcase our capabilities as an association to the world. Thus far we have a record number of confirmed entries, 17 countries, and we expect more countries to register,” Badubi said.
In the initial reject letter written by Thuto Molebatsi, the BNSC said it regretted the application after careful scrutiny. Molebatsi said through the letter that the BNSC had resolved not to accede to the request for permission to host the Botswana International Open that was set for November 23-26, 2023. “The decision was taken mainly due to the fact that the Commission is constrained to making any commitments that bare financial implications for requests outside the Housing Policy timelines; one year in advance for Regional games/events, two years in advance for Continental games/events and four years for World games/events,” the letter reads in part.
The letter states that it should be noted, as discussed in the meeting between the BNSC and the BBA, that Badminton should have provided a detailed budget and a confirmed source of funding, indicating their position to successfully deliver the tournament without requesting financial assistance from the BNSC, then a consideration could have been considered.
The Badminton application comes a month after a new committee was elected into office. The association has been going through a rough patch which saw the president resigning.
When he took over office, Badubi said he was confident of building back a better association. Meanwhile, the BNSC Director, Sport Development, Peaceful Seleka told SportMonitor that it is not like the Commission does not want National Sport Associations (NSAs) to host international competitions, but they want competitions of high standard.
"We do not want a situation whereby an NSA embarrasses the country. As for Badminton, they informed us that the International Badminton Federation will support them financially, so we have requested them to bring evidence today (Monday) that indeed indicates that arrangement is in place," Seleka said.
