Botswana’s Bose Mokgwathi has etched his name in the nation’s sporting history books by winning the country’s first-ever medal at the Paralympic level. Competing at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, Mokgwathi stormed to a bronze medal in the men’s T13 400m event, clocking a personal best of 49.66 seconds.
His stellar performance not only brought Botswana its maiden medal at the global competition but also inspired hope for the nation’s growing Paralympic movement. Mokgwathi’s teammate, Edwin Masuge, finished sixth in the same race with a time of 51.65 seconds, while Gloria Majaga narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the women’s T13 400m final with an impressive 1:01.30.
Speaking after the historic achievement, Kgosietsile Motlhaping, the Public Relations Officer of the Paralympic Sport Association of Botswana (PASSOBO), praised the athletes’ resilience amid difficult training conditions.
“Our athletes have shown remarkable dedication despite facing a tough four-month training period without consistent access to facilities or a permanent coach,” said Motlhaping. “We’ve relied heavily on volunteer coaches who are passionate about developing the sport, and this medal proves that perseverance pays off.”
Motlhaping revealed that PASSOBO plans to host the National Paralympic Games in December 2025, which will help identify and nurture a larger pool of athletes. The event aims to strengthen Botswana’s presence in international para sports and create a pathway for future Paralympic stars.
He further noted that the association will soon convene an organizational meeting to strategize on securing a full-time coach and improving training resources for athletes.
However, he also highlighted some pressing issues that bar the sport from growing.
“We are appealing to stakeholders and sponsors to come on board,” he said. “Athletes with disabilities face unique challenges that require additional funding from medication and specialized equipment to guides and accommodation costs. More support means more opportunities to raise the Botswana flag even higher.”
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, in New Delhi, India, brought together over 4,500 athletes from more than 180 nations, competing across 22 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, cycling, wheelchair basketball, and powerlifting, which started on 27 September to 5 October.
Mokgwathi’s achievement positions Botswana as a rising competitor on the global para-sport stage and signals the potential for even greater success at the upcoming Games.
