The duo of Godknows Ketlhabanetswe and Nancy Kahaka are the winners of the Botswana Open Badminton Championship’s men’s and women’s categories respectively. The championships were held at BUAN Hall in Gaborone from the 1st – 3rd November 2024.
Ketlhabanetswe took position one in the men singles while Kahaka took position one in the women singles category. Ketlhabanetse was followed by Modiri Motshegwe on position two while Tshepho Perekisi took position three. Under the women singles, Tsholofelo Willie took the second position while Michelle Kelapelo came third.
Under the men doubles category Godknows Ketlhabanetse and Tsamorena Kgosidialwa emerged the winners, followed by Modiri Motshegwe and Tumelo Moilwa on the second position while Tshilologo Kopore and Gotsilemang came third. Tsholofelo Willie and Nancy Kahaka won the women doubles category, Kesego Hamu and Asher Moruti took position three while Thabile Kgosidialwa and Sarah Ruthenburg came third.
Under the mixed doubles category, Godknows Ketlhabanetse and Nancy Kahaka took position 1, followed by Tumelo Moilwa and Keletso Ntebela on second position while Tshimologo Kopore and Amantle Mokgotlhe took position three.
The championship that organised by Botswana Badminton Association (BBA) had attracted a total of 128 local table tennis players in order to identify and nurture their talent. Winners of the singles categories from position one up to three were rewarded with prize money of P1500, P750 and P500 respectively while doubles categories winners from position one up to three walked away with P2000, P1200 and P800 each.
In an interview, BBA Public Relations Officer Thobo Tshosa said that through the championship they intended to create a welcoming environment for players of all ages, genders and skills levels, thus breaking down barriers, removing obstacles and providing equal opportunities for all participants. Tshosa has noted that the tournament had provided a platform to discover new stars, uncover promising young talent through competitive play. He indicated that it also provided a platform for players to refine their techniques and inspired them to strive for excellence.
He has appreciated the entire technical official who made the championship, noting that their dedication, professionalism and commitment to fair play contributed significantly to the smooth running of the tournament. Tshosa stressed that the expertise and impartial judgements of technical officials ensured that every match was conducted with integrity and fairness. He also acknowledged them for their invaluable contribution to the sport of badminton in Botswana.
