BNSC awards ceremony heads out of Gaborone
Johannes Kambai | Tuesday May 12, 2026 09:32
The announcement was made during the 45th Botswana National Sport Awards held on Saturday at the Gaborone International Convention Centre, The strategic shift forms part of a broader decentralisation drive aimed at making sports recognition more inclusive and accessible across the country.
Officials noted that by taking the prestigious awards to other cities and towns, the BNSC seeks to stimulate grassroots development, strengthen regional sports structures, and inspire young athletes in every corner of Botswana.
The announcement was warmly received by stakeholders, who viewed it as a progressive step towards building a truly national sports culture.
While the specific host town for the 46th Awards is yet to be confirmed, expectations are high that the move will boost local economies, elevate regional infrastructure, and bring national attention to talent emerging beyond the capital.
Saturday’s glittering ceremony provided the perfect backdrop for the forward-looking decision. The 45th edition celebrated Botswana’s recent sporting successes, with Busang Collen Kebinatshipi once again dominating proceedings.
The sprint sensation was crowned Sportsman of the Year and overall Sportsperson of the Year, adding to his growing legacy after his World 400m title and relay heroics.
On the other side, Oratile Nowe took the Sportswoman of the Year award, with Same Mhutsiwa claiming Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year, while the men’s 4x400m relay team received Team of the Year honours.
These achievements highlighted the depth of talent the BNSC has nurtured, even as it now turns its focus toward equitable growth.
The Commission has been steadily building its event-hosting credentials, successfully organising ITF World Tennis Tour events at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone and the recent African Junior Championships.
Decentralising the National Sport Awards aligns with this momentum, signalling a more distributed approach to sports governance and development.
The BNSC officials emphasised that the move is not merely symbolic but part of a deliberate strategy to prepare Botswana for greater success on continental and international stages, including future Olympic cycles.
By recognising excellence outside the capital, the Commission aims to motivate athletes, coaches, and administrators in underserved regions and create a more balanced national sports ecosystem.
As Botswana’s sports sector matures, this historic decentralisation could mark the beginning of a new era where sporting glory and national recognition belong to the entire country, not just one city. The sports fraternity now eagerly awaits details of next year’s historic hosting.