Botswana will observe a one-off public holiday on Monday, 29 September 2025, to celebrate the historic victory of its men’s 4×400 metre relay team at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The announcement was made by President Duma Boko, who praised the athletes’ achievement from the United Nations podium in Washington.
“I want to thank you for putting Botswana on the international stage. Your victory has been a source of immense pride for our people, and your efforts deserve to be celebrated as a national holiday,” President Boko said.
The team, composed of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, secured the country’s first ever world title in the event on Sunday, 21 September, finishing with a time of 2 minutes 57.76 seconds.
They edged out the United States, three-time defending champions, while South Africa took third by a mere two-thousandths of a second.
The holiday coincides with the eve of Botswana’s national day on 30 September, which commemorates the country’s independence in 1966. The relay victory, combined with Tebogo’s Olympic gold in 2024, has further boosted national pride and elevated Botswana’s profile on the global sporting stage.
Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, recently crowned individual 400 m world champion, delivered a stunning finish to overtake Rai Benjamin, the 400 m hurdles champion, at the line. Bayapo Ndori, who won bronze in the 400 m, rounded out the team’s impressive performance, showcasing the depth of young talent in Botswana athletics.
President Boko highlighted the symbolic significance of the triumph: “I want everyone to know that Botswana’s natural diamonds are not only found in the ground—they are also our world champion athletes.”
The national holiday will allow citizens to honour the team’s unprecedented achievement, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a rising force in international athletics and inspiring future generations of Botswanan athletes.
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