Minister of Sport & Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, has commended the Botswana Judo Federation for the successful hosting of the inaugural Presidential Open Judo Championship. Speaking at the event, the Minister highlighted that sport represents more than competition; it reflects national identity, ambition, and progress. He emphasized that the Championships “symbolise and showcase our national unity, discipline and aspiration,” noting that the core values of judo – respect, courage, self-control, and perseverance – align closely with Botswana’s national ethos and development priorities.
Minister Kelebeng also underscored the importance of partnerships in building a sustainable sports sector. He reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration between educational institutions, sports federations, the private sector, and international partners. He pointed to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Botswana as a key step in strengthening these linkages. Such partnerships, he explained, are vital for creating structured pathways for athletes and supporting the growth of high-performance sports in the country.
On the role of competitions like the Presidential Open Judo Championship, the Minister stressed that they provide essential platforms for talent identification and exposure to high-performance environments. These events inspire young Batswana to pursue their sporting dreams and aim for international stages. By showcasing emerging talent, the Championships help to motivate aspiring athletes and raise the profile of judo within Botswana’s broader sports landscape.
The inaugural Championship featured two of the Botswana National Sports Commission’s Re Ba Bona Ha (RBBH) Judo Centres – the Mmopane RBBH Judo Center and the Selebi-Phikwe RBBH Judo Center. Notable participants included Neo Nogampe, a 2025 BNSC Elite Scholarship recipient, and Neelo Modise, who continues to receive support through the BNSC’s Zebra Athlete Fund. Their participation highlighted the impact of structured athlete support programs in nurturing talent and enabling athletes to reach their potential.
Minister Kelebeng concluded by reaffirming Botswana’s vision for sport as a national priority. He emphasized a shared commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and internationally competitive sports sector. The Ministry aims to ensure that every young Motswana with talent and passion has the opportunity to develop fully, positioning Botswana as a strong competitor on regional and global stages. The successful hosting of the Presidential Open Judo Championship reflects progress toward this goal and sets the foundation for future elite sports development in the country.
