African Botswana announced a public holiday to celebrate the gold medal of its team in the male 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo. On Sunday, the government announced its decision to celebrate the historical monument, where Botswana became the first African winners of the event.
Kollen Kebinatshipti, who also won an individual 400 meters, ran an excellent last leg to catch the rain victory in Tokyo, when Botswana pulled out the favorite US and South Africa in an exciting race.
President of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko announced the national holiday of September 29, the day before the country’s independence, in honor of Kebinatshipti and his teammates BhekEmpilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo and Bayapo Ndori.
“I will definitely tell everyone, the natural diamonds of Botswana are not only in the country. They are our world champion athletes,” Boko quoted the local media on Sunday.
After Tebogo won the first Olympic gold medal Botswana last year 200 meters at the Olympic Games in Paris last year, his country celebrated a half -day holiday. Botswana to create history. (Reuters Photo)
Historical Triumph Botswana at the World Athletics Championship
The victory of Botswana at the World Championship underlined the growing figure of the country in the global track and field.
Despite the tireless rain at the Championship, Botswan’s Quartet has increased on this occasion and overcome the traditional powerhouse of the United States and South Africa in a dramatic blanket. The US, which was closely qualified for the finals after they won the drain against Kenya earlier on the day, led during the final crossing. But Botswana’s Anchor, 21-year-old Collen kebinatshipti-has started his individual gold in 400 M-ziložil a strong final leg to ensure victory at 2: 57,76.
“I had to run the most interesting leg because of the weather,” kebinatshipti said after the race. “I knew I had to go strong, but still saving energy over the last 100 meters. I pushed the last 80 meters and started running faster. I’m really grateful that I returned home with two gold medals.”
The United States, the winners of nine of the last ten world titles in this event, built a brand new team for the finals and ended up at 2: 57,83-Jen two thousandths of the Republic of South Africa, who were also credited with the same official time.
“I wanted to bring gold for these people,” said the American anchor and 400 meters World Champion Rai Benjamin. “I’m a little disappointed that I couldn’t do it today. The boys put me in a great position. We didn’t even have to be here, so taking silver is pretty good.”
The South African team, led by the 400M holder of the world record Wayde van Niekerk, settled for bronze, but expressed pride in his performance and optimism for the future.
“These are really self -confidence in our relay,” said 33 -year -old van Niekerk, indicating retirement. “I have a lot of excitement from their career. For me it’s a privilege to say that I have finished my 400m career with these boys. It’s my last – but trying to convince me differently.”
Botswana’s historical victory has already caused celebrations at home, while national pride increased sharply after the show, which not only brought gold, but broke the new ground for African sprinting on the world scene.
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Published:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
22 September 2025
