Record turnout for BDF Open

Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday July 1, 2025 10:30

The tournament, which was held at Babusi Hall, in Gaborone was initially scheduled for a day, on Saturday. However due to an increased in number of entrants, the 2025 BDF Open extended to Sunday morning.

This year the tournament drew a staggering 211 players across four categories, marking a major milestone for local table tennis competitions’ growth in Botswana. The senior men’s category alone attracted 63 players, while the ladies’ draw featured 52 competitors. The junior divisions were equally impressive, with 48 boys and 48 girls battling it out on the across, signaling that interest in the sport is surging.

“Out of all the local tournaments we have hosted in the past two years, this one had the largest number of entries. It shows how much the sport is growing and how ready our players are to compete,” tournament director, Kabo Mosware said.

The action on the table did not disappoint either. In the senior men’s category, turning out for the first time in BDF colours following a switch from Moshupa Spinners last week, Bakang Maloka clinched the title. He defeated Masa Lesole of Smash Maniacs in the final. Lesole’s teammate, Boago Malobela and Tshephang Mogala of Nhabe made it to the semi-finals.

The ladies’ category was won by BDF’s own Constance Kuswani, who saw off Tshepiso Rebatenne from Nhabe in the final. Olorato Ramagapu and Tsholofelo Gaokgalemelwe were the other semi-finalists. In the junior boys’ section, Thato Kgongwana from Bontleng/Ithuteng climbed the podium, with a shock win over Reneilwe Lekorwe of Smash Maniacs.