Botswana has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 World Athletics Relays, marking the first time the southern African nation will stage a World Athletics Series event.
The competition is set to take place in Gaborone on May 2-3, 2026, further cementing Botswana’s rising status in global athletics.
The announcement was made during the 237th World Athletics Council Meeting in Nanjing, China, where Botswana was recognized for its growing influence in the sport.
Botswana has made significant strides in international athletics, with elite sprinters like Isaac Makwala, Letsile Tebogo, Nijel Amos, and Amantle Montsho putting the country on the global map.
Hosting the World Athletics Relays is a significant milestone that signals the country’s progress in developing sports infrastructure and event management capabilities.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed confidence in Botswana’s ability to deliver a top-tier event, stating:
“Botswana’s commitment to athletics, both through their elite athletes and event hosting capabilities, has led them to this moment. We are seeing a real increase in experience, expertise, and skills across Africa.”
Gaborone has already proven its capacity to host major athletics events, having successfully staged a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting in 2023.
The country is also gearing up for this year’s Botswana Golden Grand Prix on April 12, which will once again attract top international talent.
Botswana’s Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, welcomed the news with pride, calling it a historic opportunity for the country:
“The World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026 will ignite a national passion, drawing the world to our shores and showcasing our unique spirit. We humbly welcome athletes and fans alike, knowing this event will inspire generations and leave a lasting legacy.”
The event is expected to boost Botswana’s sports tourism and provide a platform for young and upcoming local athletes to compete against the world’s best on home soil.
Botswana’s selection as a host nation aligns with World Athletics’ goal of expanding its global footprint and increasing Africa’s representation in major events.
In the past decade, Africa has hosted multiple top-tier athletics competitions, including the 2017 World Cross Country Championships in Uganda and the 2022 African Championships in Mauritius.
With Gaborone set to welcome the world in 2026, Botswana is proving itself as a key player in global athletics both on and off the track.
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