Commonwealth

“BNSC has rejected BOKA’s proposal to host 2023 Commonwealth Karate Championships; the economy has taken a serious hit, and we are not in a financial position to provide financial support. We have not given them the permission to host the games yet,” Serufho explained.

“We are not sure on how COVID- 19 situation will be like in 2023, and we are likely to have not recovered. We bid to host in 2024, hosting in 2023 is not ideal for us,” BNSC Chief added. Hosting international events such as the Commonwealth Games is believed to carry huge economic and tourism benefits to the host cities and countries. An estimated £ 750 million was the expected economic contribution to be made by the English economy if Birmingham hosted the games, including generating employment opportunities for at least 4, 500 people.

“Hosting international events is always a welcome development to our sports, but when evaluating the economic benefits the games were likely to bring forth, and also considering the amount we were to spend, our conclusion was that, return on investment will be low under the current circumstances,” Serufho highlighted.

When contacted, BOKA President Tshepo Bathai said: “We are currently in talks with relevant authorities

regarding this matter, we are not in a position to divulge any information to the media at this moment.”

After receiving the rejection to host the games from BNSC, BOKA were not impressed and sought for other alternatives to make their voices heard. According to close informants, the local Karate office landed at the highest office in the land — the Office of the President, to state their case. The Karate office has since been advised by the Office of the President to engage the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport, and Culture Development Kago Ramokate to build their case.

Further revelations on the matter suggests that the First Lady, Neo Masisi is set to become the games Patron should Botswana host the games. This publication can confirm that the budget for BOKA to host the games stands at P8 million, with team Botswana set to spend P3 million in preparations, whilst hosting the games will cost P5 million. Furthermore, BOKA has made great strides to solidify their case to host the games, with several reported partnerships in the pipeline to augment cost on preparing for the games. Gaborone City Council, Medical services, water, printing, and security services are sponsorship in- kind set to be unveiled once an agreement is reached.

In 2019, BOKA successfully delivered UFAK Karate Championships, however their success on delivering the games has been tainted by debts, some of which are reportedly still standing and this is likely to work against them as they seek approval to host the Commonwealth Games.