Africa-Press – Botswana. The Minister of Sport and Arts, Honourable Jacob Kelebeng, visited the ITF World Tennis Tour J60 tournament in Gaborone to commend young athletes competing in the prestigious Under-18 junior event.
Botswana Tennis Association Vice President Technical, Mr. Nonofo Othusitse, highlighted the tournament’s global reach, with players participating from countries including South Africa, Serbia, France, Thailand, Canada, and Great Britain. Winners of the J60 event earn 60 points toward their world rankings, providing critical opportunities for international recognition.
Botswana is fielding a strong team of 15 players, comprising eight females and seven males. Ntungamili Raguin, 16, is the nation’s top-ranked junior boy at world position 220. He benefits from the BNSC Zebras scholarship fund, which supports his coaching and international competition participation. Nina Sekonopo, 17, leads the girls’ contingent, currently ranked 1,437 globally.
This year marks the sixth consecutive year that Botswana has hosted the ITF World Tennis Tour series. BTA President Mr. Oaitse Thipe emphasized the economic and sporting benefits of hosting these events, including attracting international players and officials, boosting tourism, and reducing the costs of sending local players abroad.
The J60 tournament will be followed by the larger ITF J100 Gaborone tournament from November 24 to 29, 2025, expected to attract players from approximately 15 countries. Looking ahead, BTA confirmed a 14-week series of tournaments across 2026, further enhancing Botswana’s sporting profile and economic opportunities.
Addressing the athletes, Minister Kelebeng offered encouragement: “Keep doing your best, we are rallying behind you in full support. I see you are training hard to be the future Serena Williams. I commend you because you are on the right track.”
The Minister also assured the BTA leadership that the Ministry is aware of the challenges faced by players and will continue to provide assistance and support to help them reach their full potential.
The ITF World Tennis Tour in Gaborone continues to showcase Botswana’s rising tennis talent and reinforces the country’s commitment to developing sports at the grassroots and international levels.
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