ESALO liaison officer Montwedi Simon said yesterday that some countries that had confirmed participation pulled out at the 11th hour citing financial reasons. He added that it is important that countries turn-up in large numbers because the competition has not been held for a long time. He said the competition would go on as planned though he was worried that there would be less competition, as there are only four entrants.
ESALO is a regional body in charge of military games. Nine countries were expected for the ESALO tennis tournament, which will be opened officially today at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium. Besides hosts Botswana, the other participants are Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The tournament is supposed to be held annually but this has not been possible. Simon is hoping that the tournament will be sustainable after its revival this year. Six men and six women are representing Botswana in this year's edition.
