The Botswana Judo Federation is in preparations to host the inaugural Presidential Open Judo Championships, a landmark event aimed at both celebrating national leadership and strengthening the future of the sport across the country.
The tournament, initially expected to take place this November, has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts, with the tentative new date set for November 22, pending final confirmation.
Speaking in an interview, General Secretary of the Botswana Judo Federation, Linda Masingizani said the championship is inspired by the recent recognition of Botswana’s leadership in the global judo community.
“The president of Judo in Hungary gave an honorary award to the President of Botswana,” she explained. “The whole idea is to give him a background of Judo locally, so that he appreciates it.”
However, beyond the ceremony and recognition, the tournament is rooted in a bigger mission: empowering young athletes and expanding Judo to new regions of Botswana.
Masingizani revealed that interest in the sport has grown significantly since it emerged that President Duma Boko himself once practiced judo in his youth.
“Because of him saying, I did judo once, we are seeing the ripple effect on the development of the sport locally,” she said. This influence has coincided with fresh support from the International Judo Federation (IJF), which has donated training mats, uniforms, and other materials to implement a new nationwide initiative known as Judo in Schools.
Currently, Judo clubs and development activities are concentrated largely in the southern and central regions of Botswana. But with the arrival of the Judo in Schools program, the Federation is now focusing on expanding the sport to regions such as Maun and Francistown, with implementation expected to roll out as early as January 2026, pending final school partnerships.
“We recognize and appreciate the President’s efforts in being an ambassador for the sport,” Masingizani said. “This program is allowing us to push our mandate to develop and promote the sport in all areas of the country — even the remotest areas.”
In addition to youth development, the Federation is preparing to establish a Judo for Peace centre at the Dukwi Refugee Camp, advancing the message that the sport belongs to everyone, regardless of circumstance. “You might be refugees, but Judo is a gentle sport for everyone,” Masingizani emphasised. “Everyone should have access to it.”
When the Presidential Open Championships do take place, attendees can expect a powerful display of the sport’s inclusivity and discipline. The event will feature athletes as young as five years old, alongside veterans over 55, demonstrating the full spectrum of Botswana’s Judo community.
“It’s going to show the general aspect of Judo,” Masingizani said. “If somebody doesn’t have an idea of what Judo is, this will be the perfect tournament to really showcase the sport, showcase its values, and showcase its growth locally.”
The Botswana Judo Federation is expected to confirm the final venue and date soon.
