Badminton starts preparations

Kabelo Boranabi | Friday November 27, 2020 13:47

BBA’s activity, like all other codes, had their calendar severely disrupted by the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This weekend the racket and shuttlecock would make their way to the Lobatse Sports Complex Hall for the Botswana Badminton Open Championship, sponsored to the tune of P15,200. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, BBA public relations officer, Modisaotsile Badubi the tournament would be a good warm up for the players who have been out of action for a long time. He said it also presents a chance for other players to squeeze in to the pre-selected national team. “As a federation, we aim not only to provide local competition, but also help us get our national team for the All Africa Championships scheduled for early 2021 in South Africa,” he said.

“Our selection panel will also be keeping an eye out for individuals who may end up getting a spot in the team, who were previously not included in the preliminary team.” Badubi also said 50 players in both men and women categories would compete for the P1,000 prize money, the runners up would pocket P700, while semifinalists walk away with P400 each.

The championship would also have a doubles and mixed doubles event. Each winning pair will win P1,200 from each category. The silver medallists would pocket P1,000 while bronze winners would take home P600.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) will also return to action since the Independence Finale in September. From their exploits in the Finale, the country’s leading players, Boago Malobela and Boitshwarelo Butale would hope to continue with their good form on the table. The duo faces stiff competition as the sport has proven to have no walkovers.

Players would compete for P2,000 prize money while the runner up gets P1, 000. Semifinalists would receive P600, while P200 would console those who reach the quarterfinal stage. The tournament would be held at the BNYC Hall on Saturday.