BTA Launches Beach Tennis
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday October 11, 2021 16:00
Beach tennis is an Olympic sport which does not require construction of facilities. BTA president, Oaitse Thipe told Sport Monitor that beach tennis is meant to encourage tennis participation across the country. “International Tennis Federation (ITF) beach tennis has donated equipment which we will be sharing with the public at large through our affiliates and schools.
This type of tennis is cheaper than the main stream one and can be played anywhere,” Thipe said. He explained that since beach tennis is an Olympic sport and its coaches will be empowered by Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC). Thipe added that there will not have to stretch their budget in construction of new courts because it is played on sand.
He said if things go according to plan, they have an ambitious dream of sending some players to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Meanwhile, tomorrow BTA is sending an Under 12 team to Zimbabwe for the Confederation of African Tennis.
Thipe said the tournament is a qualifier for the Continental Championships in Tunisia scheduled for November. The team comprises of Martin Seetso, Marcus Semane, Bo-Hosseine, Jemima Makhumalo, Ditshegofatso Balaletswe and Shathani Batisani. In Cape Town, Denzel Seetso, Chelsea Changanyuka,Ekua Refilwe Youri are competing in the ITF grade two and three events.