By Anita Rannoba
Botswana is expected to take part in the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games, to be held in San Diego next year October.
With the shortboard surfing, 3X3 basketball, beach handball and individual kata having all hosted qualification events already, Botswana will be represented by Ofentse Bakwadi and Entle Maungwa who are the country’s top karetekas.
Initially the games were scheduled for 2017 but had to be pushed to 2019 to allow more time for preparations. In an interview, bronze medallist from the just ended UFAK Africa Karate Championships, Entle Maungwa, said the WBG are a way for her to self introspect, adding that she is not going to participate but learn and win medals for the country.
“If it so happens that I get a medal it would be out of hard work and proper preparations. I am going to prepare for them and do my best. I want to work on techniques and evaluate on the recent performances prior to the games” she said.
Maungwa noted that for her it is more important to improve on her skills than just winning without perfecting techniques.
Her counterpart, Bakwadi noted that they will attend and honour the games regardless of the financial crisis at hand with Botswana Karate Association (BOKA). “We just have to confirm our attendance to the tournament because if we do not they will put someone else in our place,” said Bakwadi.
Bakwadi is adamant that despite the financial constraints they are facing, they will manage to raise money and realise their dream of competing in the games. “We are going to work hard to raise the money. It is an opportunity not to be missed,” said Bakwadi. He revealed that BOKA is happy and pleased with their qualification to the games. He revealed that BOKA wants to see karatekas of this country in major tournaments and eventually make it to the Olympics.
