The championships were held in Maputo in September and it has been a long wait for the money to hit the boxers’ bank accounts. Keamogetse Sadie Kenosi emerged as the biggest winner after she pocketed P126, 000 for winning a gold medal in the women’s 57kg category. Aratwa Kasemang and George Molwantwa won silver medals and got P50, 000 each. Kobamelo Molatlhegi, Lethabo Modukanele and Phekie Bele won bronze medals and bank P25, 000 each. Unfortunately the team was not paid appearance fees by the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) because the competition did not meet the requirements of the performance incentives and rewards package.
Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) secretary general, Taolo Tlouetsile told Mmegi Sport that Umar Kremlev, president of International Boxing Association (IBA) brought hope to the boxing family with prize m money at international events. “I think now boxing is not only for medals, athletes can play it to survive. It is a new development. I hope with time it will grow to other competitions like zonal competitions,” he said. Tlouetsile said the money took a bit of time to be paid. Meanwhile, the IBA has announced its approved Olympic Qualification System (OQS) for athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. With less than 18 months to Paris 2024 and numerous delays on a clear International Olympic Committee (IOC) process being announced for Paris 2024 qualification, the IBA has taken upon itself as the international governing body of boxing to provide a clear process and pathway for its athletes to qualify for Paris 2024. The IBA OQS decision was unanimously taken by National Federations at the IBA Ordinary Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The IBA reiterates its commitment to providing clarity for its athletes, coaches, and technical officials as they prepare for the biggest celebration of boxing in 2024. The upcoming IBA World Boxing Championships in New Delhi and Tashkent will be main qualification events for Paris 2024.
