BDF TABLE Tennis CLUB

🇧🇼🏓 COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 UPDATE

Botswana's campaign at the ongoing Commonwealth Championship in India continued today with Women's singles group rounds taking center stage.

• All three (3) Botswana women got eliminated from their respective groups where the top seeded player in each group qualifies for the main draw.

• Tshepiso Rebatenne lost her opening two matches against her New Zealand and Scotland compatriots seeing her out of the group with (3 - 1) and (3 - 0) loses respectively.

• Kagiso Emmah Lelatisitswe started off to an impressive start against Rebecca Scott of Nauru defeating her (11-1, 11-6, 11-5) to take a 3 - 0 win.
She suffered a 3 - 0 defeat in her second match against Anzhuo Han of New Zealand who won the group.

• Boitlamo Nkele's group comprised of Paula Callaghan of Scotland and Zi Sian Chong of Singapore and was no different. Nkele lost (3 - 0) in both her matches with Chong showing complete dominance over her group opponents and taking the group.

More action still ongoing with men's singles set to get underway.

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association

Congratulations to our own Botswana's Reneilwe Lekorwe 🇧🇼 and Ghana's Joanita Borteye 🇬🇭, Male and Female Players of the Day on Day 2 of the , proudly presented by .

ITTF-Africa Botswana Table Tennis Association

BTTA JUNIOR TEAM DEPARTED FOR ITTF AFRICA YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS A FEW DAYS AGO

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) junior national team, Junior Diteemane departed for Accra, Ghana a few days ago to compete at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships, scheduled to take place from 21 to 27 July.

The travelling delegation comprised
team manager Godileone Bagwasi, coaches Brown Sebokolodi and Kagiso Emmah Lelatisitswe, as well as players Boitlamo Nkele, Carol Peengo David, Stephaney Batsholeng, Brianna Mogaladi, Reneilwe Lekorwe, Thato Kgongwana and Gofaone Dzvaka.

Bagwasi and Batsholeng, who travelled to Ghana earlier to participate in the ITTF Africa Youth Hopes Week, will link up with the rest of the team ahead of the championships.

Botswana heads into the continental tournament with confidence following an impressive showing at the South African National Championships, where the junior team delivered outstanding performances against strong opposition. Their results demonstrated both the depth of talent within the squad and the progress made through BTTA's player development programme.

With a balanced mix of experienced junior internationals and promising young talent, the team is expected to be highly competitive across the various events. Several members of the squad have represented Botswana at regional and international competitions, providing valuable experience that will be crucial against Africa's top junior players.

BTTA has wished the team a successful campaign as they seek to raise Botswana's flag high at the continental championships in Ghana.

STEPHANEY BATSHOLENG FINISHED SIXTH AT ITTF AFRICA YOUTH HOPES WEEK & CHALLENGE

Botswana's Stephaney Batsholeng produced an impressive performance on day two of the ITTF Africa Youth Hopes Week & Challenge, winning five of her six round-robin matches played yesterday to secure an overall sixth-place finish out of 16 players representing countries across Africa.

Batsholeng opened the day with a 4-0 defeat to Egypt before bouncing back with a convincing 4-0 victory over Benin. She then dominated her remaining fixtures against Ghana, recording four consecutive 4-0 victories to end the day on a high note.

Her strong display saw her finish the challenge in sixth position overall, a commendable achievement that reflects her determination and continued development while competing against some of Africa's most promising young table tennis players

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association

TEAM BOTSWANA OFFICIALLY SENT OFF FOR COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA), in partnership with the High Commission of India in Botswana, officially sent off Team Botswana ahead of the Commonwealth Senior Table Tennis Championships, scheduled for 27 July to 2 August 2026 at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi, India.

The send-off ceremony was hosted by His Excellency Mr. Bharath Kumar Kuthati, the High Commissioner of India to Botswana, at the High Commission offices in Gaborone.

Addressing the team, His Excellency described sport as a powerful vehicle for strengthening people-to-people relations between Botswana and India. He encouraged the athletes to not only compete to the best of their abilities but also embrace India's rich culture and traditions during their stay.

He further assured the team that they would receive support from India's community in Botswana, noting that the country is home to more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the close friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The High Commissioner also commended the partnership between the High Commission and BTTA, highlighting the upcoming WTT Youth Contender Gaborone 2026, to be held from 11–14 November 2026, as another milestone in the growing sporting relationship. He also acknowledged the long-standing contribution of Mr. Rahul Srivastava to the development of table tennis in Botswana.

Speaking on education and athlete development, His Excellency noted that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship programme has significantly benefited Botswana Table Tennis, with 13 scholarships awarded to date. He highlighted that three members of the national team—Tshenolo Mooketsi, Arthur Kgaswe, and Sean Dekop—are currently studying in India, with Mooketsi and Kgaswe supported through ICCR scholarships, while Dekop is studying under the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Elite Scholarship Programme. He urged them to use the knowledge, skills and international exposure gained in India to contribute meaningfully to the growth of table tennis in Botswana.

His Excellency also welcomed the inclusion of the team's youngest players, 13-year-old Boitlamo Nandy Nkele and Reneilwe Harrison Lekorwe, saying exposure to international competition at a young age provides an important platform for learning, confidence-building and long-term athlete development.

The Botswana delegation comprises Kabo Raymond Mosarwe (Team Manager), Thobo Patrick Matlhatsi (Coach), players Tshenolo Mooketsi, Sean Dekop, Arthur Kgaswe, Reneilwe Harrison Lekorwe, Boitlamo Nandy Nkele, Tshepiso Rebatenne and Kagiso Emmah Lelatisitswe. The team will also be accompanied by international umpire Ritah Nthaga, who has been appointed to officiate at the championships.

BTTA President Kudzanani Motswagole expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the High Commission for their unwavering support of table tennis in Botswana, describing the relationship as one that continues to create opportunities for athletes through education, competition and technical development.

Also present at the ceremony were Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Board Member and 2nd Vice President Game Mompe, BNSC Director of Sport Development Peaceful Seleka, BTTA Vice President Administration Reatile Morapedi, members of the BTTA Executive Committee, athletes' families and invited guests.

In their remarks, Game Mompe praised the strong partnership between BTTA and the High Commission of India, pledging continued support for the development of junior players. Peaceful Seleka commended BTTA for its sustained growth, encouraging the association to continue working hard to maintain its Tier 1 status within Botswana's sports system while applauding its successful grassroots development model.

The Commonwealth Senior Table Tennis Championships will bring together some of the best players from across the Commonwealth, with Botswana aiming to build on recent international performances and continue its upward trajectory on the global stage.

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association

BOTSWANA FINISH ITTF-AFRICA SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION WORLD QUALIFIERS WITH TWO MEDALS

Botswana has concluded its campaign at the ITTF-Africa Southern Africa Region World Qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe, with two team medals and encouraging performances in both the men's and women's events.

In the women's singles, Tshepiso Rebatenne, Emmah Lelatisitswe and Tsholofelo Gaokgalelwe all advanced to the quarter-finals where they were knocked out. Boitlamo Nkele's run came to an end in the Round of 16.

On the men's side, Boago Malobela, Bakang Maloka, Tshireletso Samuel and Reneilwe Lekorwe all reached the Round of 16 but were unable to progress further, bringing Botswana's singles campaign to a close in the main draw.

Despite narrowly missing out on individual medals, Botswana collected two medals in the team events. The women's team secured a silver medal after finishing as runners-up to the Champions South African, while the men's team claimed bronze.

Attention now turns to the junior national team, which departs for Accra, Ghana, to compete at the ITTF Africa Youth Championships from 21 to 27 July. The senior national team will then head to New Delhi, India, for the Commonwealth Senior Championships scheduled for 27 July to 2 August.

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association

BTTA DUO DEPARTS FOR GHANA FOR ITTF AFRICA YOUTH HOPES WEEK

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) junior player Stephaney Batsholeng and BTTA Development Officer Godirileone Bagwasi departed for Accra, Ghana this afternoon to participate in the ITTF Africa Youth Hopes Week, scheduled to take place from 12 to 21 July 2026.

Batsholeng will represent Botswana at the prestigious continental development programme, which brings together some of Africa's most promising young table tennis talents. The event is designed to enhance players' technical, tactical and mental skills through high-level coaching and training sessions led by experienced ITTF experts.

Bagwasi will accompany the young athlete in his capacity as BTTA Development Officer, providing technical and administrative support throughout the programme.

The ITTF Africa Youth Hopes Week forms part of the International Table Tennis Federation's talent identification and development pathway, offering young players an opportunity to improve their skills, gain international exposure and compete alongside the continent's rising stars.

BTTA has wished the duo a successful campaign as they represent Botswana in Ghana.

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association

BOTSWANA SENIOR WOMEN WIN SILVER, MEN CLAIM BRONZE AT AUSC REGION 5 TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Botswana's senior national table tennis team delivered a strong performance at the AUSC Region 5 Championships in Zimbabwe, with the women's team securing silver and the men's team earning bronze.

The women's team, drawn in Group 2, began their campaign in dominant fashion with convincing 3- LUV victories over Namibia and Malawi to top their group. They then defeated Zambia 3-1 in the semi-finals to book a place in the final. However, Botswana fell 3- LUV to regional giants South Africa in the gold medal match, settling for an impressive silver medal.

The men's team, who competed in Group 1, opened their tournament with a 3- LUV defeat to Angola before bouncing back with 3-1 victories over Zimbabwe and Zambia to advance to the semi-finals. Their medal hopes were ended by South Africa, who claimed a 3-LUV win to deny Botswana a place in the final, leaving the team with a well-deserved bronze medal.

The competition continues today with singles event.

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association

Women team event results

Our ladies are cruising nicely to the semi-finals 👌🇧🇼

BOTSWANA SET FOR ITTF SOUTHERN AFRICA TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ZIMBABWE

Botswana Senior National Table Tennis Team is in Zimbabwe for the 2026 AUSC Region 5 Table Tennis Championships, which get underway on 10 July and conclude on 12 July.

The championships will bring together some of the best players from Southern Africa as nations battle for regional honours in both the men's and women's competitions.

Botswana received challenging group-stage draws in both categories. In the men's competition, Botswana has been placed in Group 1 alongside regional powerhouse Angola and hosts Zimbabwe. Group 2 comprises South Africa, Namibia, Malawi and Zambia.

In the women's competition, Botswana will compete in Group 2 against Namibia and Malawi, while Group 1 features South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The Botswana squad has also been strengthened by the arrival of Reneilwe Lekorwe and Boitlamo Nkele, who joined the team in Zimbabwe after representing the country at the South African National Championships. Their inclusion adds valuable youthful experience and momentum ahead of the regional tournament.

Meanwhile, Botswana's junior national team has returned home from South Africa following a successful outing at the South African National Championships, where the team produced impressive performances and gained valuable international experience and a haul of medals.

Team Botswana

Men

Bakang Maloka

Tshireletso Samuel

Boago Malobela

Reneilwe Lekorwe

Kola Modisathebe

Women

Tshepiso Rebatenne

Emmah Lelatisitswe

Boitlamo Nkele

Tsholofelo Gaokgalelwe

Coaches

Thobo Matlhatsi

Tshepo Serokolo

Botswana will be aiming to progress beyond the group stages and challenge for medals as the team continues its preparations towards future continental and international competitions.

Source ~ Botswana Table Tennis Association