President Duma Gideon Boko has declared Monday, 29 September 2025, a public holiday after Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team won gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The victory has been described as historic, as Botswana became the first African nation to secure the world title in the event.
A win for the history books
The Botswana quartet of Lee Bhekimpilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi powered home in a time of 2:57.76, edging past the United States and South Africa in a nail-biting finish.
Online publication Mmegi reported:
“Botswana’s 4x400m relay team are world champions after a brilliant run at the World Championships in Tokyo today. Botswana’s quartet clocked 2:57.76, edging the United States and South Africa to second and third respectively.”
The achievement marked Botswana’s first-ever world title in the event and added to Collen Kebinatshipi’s individual gold and Bayapo Ndori’s silver in the 400m.
President Boko praises athletes
Speaking to the athletes after their triumph, President Boko expressed the nation’s pride. According to Mmegi, he said:
“I want to thank you for putting Botswana on the world map. Your victory has brought immense pride to our people, and your efforts deserve to be celebrated as a national holiday.”
The President announced that 29 September will be observed as a public holiday to honour the athletes’ achievement. The declaration has been received with excitement across the country.
The Eastleigh Voice confirmed:
“Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, has declared September 29 a public holiday to celebrate the nation’s historic triumph in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Tokyo World Championships.”
Botswana’s best performance ever
The 2025 championships in Tokyo saw Botswana finish fifth overall — their highest ranking in history. The medal haul of two golds, one silver, and one bronze is the best return ever for the Southern African nation.
Track & Field Gazette highlighted the result:
“Botswana wins GOLD in the men’s 4x400m at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships! Botswana 2:57.76, USA 2:57.83, South Africa 2:57.83.”
For Botswana, the win was more than just a race. It was a moment of national pride and continental history, cementing the country’s place in world athletics.
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