However, the competition, sponsored by mining company Debswana, will be without some of the star attractions, who include Letsile Tebogo, Leungo Scotch, Bayapo Ndori, Isaac Makwala, Collen Kebinatshipi and Anthony Pasela who will be away participating in the Diamond League in Rabat, Morocco.
BAA vice president, Oabona Theetso confirmed the development to Mmegi Sport but the association still expects a strong field to fill in. “We have started marketing the event and it will be free entry,” Theetso said.
In a statement, the BAA said participation in the championships is strictly by invitation. Only the top 16 performing athletes across youth, junior and senior categories are scheduled to compete at this event, the BAA said. “This is an event where athletes would seek to improve their rankings and attempt qualifying marks for major championships scheduled ahead such as the Budapest 23 World Athletics Championships, Africa Youth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games and All Africa Games,” the statement reads.
Athletics will look to leverage the success of the recent FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix held at the National Stadium at the end of April. The event is the who-is-who in the world of athletics and attracted a huge crowd at the National Stadium, which is expected to give the sport momentum as local athletes prepare for international tournaments.
