Botswana Declares Public Holiday for Historic World Athletics Gold

Botswana is basking in a moment of pride after its men’s 4x400m relay team delivered a historic victory at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. In honour of the team’s gold medal—the first ever for Africa in this event—President Duma Boko has declared September 29 a public holiday.

The quartet of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi stunned the athletics world by toppling the United States, ending its decade-long reign, and edging continental rival South Africa. 

Against testing conditions, the Botswana team’s triumph resonated far beyond the track, representing not just national glory but continental achievement.

The win also secured Botswana’s best performance at a global championships, elevating the nation to fifth place in the overall medal standings. 

For many across Africa, the relay victory was a stirring reminder of the continent’s growing presence on the world's biggest stage of sport.

From New York, where he addressed the UN General Assembly, President Boko hailed the athletes as Botswana’s “natural diamonds” and said their triumph reflects the country’s growing stature internationally. 

Declaring the special public holiday just a day before Independence Day on September 30, he framed the moment as one of unity, pride, and collective celebration—not only for Batswana but for Africa as a whole.

Across the country, the mood is jubilant. Streets and markets have erupted in dance and song, as citizens prepare for two consecutive days of national festivities. 

The back-to-back holidays reinforce a spirit of reflection and thanksgiving, tying Botswana’s sporting achievement to its broader story of resilience and ambition.

Botswana’s gold has electrified Africa, breaking through decades of Western and East African dominance on the track with a victory that carries symbolic weight. 

For many, the win is viewed not just as a milestone for Botswana but as a step towards rewriting Africa’s story in athletics—where unity, perseverance, and raw talent can command the global spotlight.