22/07/2026
TEAM BOTSWANA OFFICIALLY SENT OFF FOR COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA), in partnership with the High Commission of India in Botswana, officially sent off Team Botswana ahead of the Commonwealth Senior Table Tennis Championships, scheduled for 27 July to 2 August 2026 at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi, India.
The send-off ceremony was hosted by His Excellency Mr. Bharath Kumar Kuthati, the High Commissioner of India to Botswana, at the High Commission offices in Gaborone.
Addressing the team, His Excellency described sport as a powerful vehicle for strengthening people-to-people relations between Botswana and India. He encouraged the athletes to not only compete to the best of their abilities but also embrace India's rich culture and traditions during their stay.
He further assured the team that they would receive support from India's community in Botswana, noting that the country is home to more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the close friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The High Commissioner also commended the partnership between the High Commission and BTTA, highlighting the upcoming WTT Youth Contender Gaborone 2026, to be held from 11–14 November 2026, as another milestone in the growing sporting relationship. He also acknowledged the long-standing contribution of Mr. Rahul Srivastava to the development of table tennis in Botswana.
Speaking on education and athlete development, His Excellency noted that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship programme has significantly benefited Botswana Table Tennis, with 13 scholarships awarded to date. He highlighted that three members of the national team—Tshenolo Mooketsi, Arthur Kgaswe, and Sean Dekop—are currently studying in India, with Mooketsi and Kgaswe supported through ICCR scholarships, while Dekop is studying under the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Elite Scholarship Programme. He urged them to use the knowledge, skills and international exposure gained in India to contribute meaningfully to the growth of table tennis in Botswana.
His Excellency also welcomed the inclusion of the team's youngest players, 13-year-old Boitlamo Nandy Nkele and Reneilwe Harrison Lekorwe, saying exposure to international competition at a young age provides an important platform for learning, confidence-building and long-term athlete development.
The Botswana delegation comprises Kabo Raymond Mosarwe (Team Manager), Thobo Patrick Matlhatsi (Coach), players Tshenolo Mooketsi, Sean Dekop, Arthur Kgaswe, Reneilwe Harrison Lekorwe, Boitlamo Nandy Nkele, Tshepiso Rebatenne and Kagiso Emmah Lelatisitswe. The team will also be accompanied by international umpire Ritah Nthaga, who has been appointed to officiate at the championships.
BTTA President Kudzanani Motswagole expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the High Commission for their unwavering support of table tennis in Botswana, describing the relationship as one that continues to create opportunities for athletes through education, competition and technical development.
Also present at the ceremony were Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Board Member and 2nd Vice President Game Mompe, BNSC Director of Sport Development Peaceful Seleka, BTTA Vice President Administration Reatile Morapedi, members of the BTTA Executive Committee, athletes' families and invited guests.
In their remarks, Game Mompe praised the strong partnership between BTTA and the High Commission of India, pledging continued support for the development of junior players. Peaceful Seleka commended BTTA for its sustained growth, encouraging the association to continue working hard to maintain its Tier 1 status within Botswana's sports system while applauding its successful grassroots development model.
The Commonwealth Senior Table Tennis Championships will bring together some of the best players from across the Commonwealth, with Botswana aiming to build on recent international performances and continue its upward trajectory on the global stage.
Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association
