13 Mar 2025

The FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix preparations are said to be going on smoothly. The event spokesperson Callistus Kolantsho said names of top athletes who have confirmed participation will be released soon.
The meet is scheduled to take place on April 12 at the National Stadium, and events to be staged in the men’s category are 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 400m hurdles and long jump, shot put and 4 x100m relays.
 The women will only compete in 100m, 400m, 800m, 400m long jump and shot put.
Kolantsho appealed to athletics fans who are eager to know the competitors to be patient as negotiations are ongoing with some athletes.
“As you might be aware we started preparations a bit late. So we are still in negotiations with some athletes, but we remain hopeful that very soon we will be able to announce the names of the athletes,” he said.
 He explained invitations to athletes must be backed by financial guarantee that include appearance fees and prize money. He pointed out that they were competing for the same top athletes with hosts of other competitions in different countries, hence it was imperative to put their best foot forward.
Kolantsho said they are expecting to have the event’s dry run in the last week leading to the event. He said the intention was to have the event midweek so they can accommodate athletes coming from countries such as Zambia, and Zimbabwe. “The idea is that if those athletes can attend the dry run, they can be able to stay in Gaborone until the main event,” he said.
He explained that the purpose of the dry run was to check the readiness of each department that would be involved in the main event.
He disclosed that they would also be hosting school-going athletes, and those who do well would qualify to compete at the main event.
“The reason we are including the school-going athletes is to help government revive school sport,” he said. ENDS