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Gaborone \u2014 Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has congratulated Kenya after the World Athletics governing body awarded the East African nation the rights to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.<\/p>\n
In an interview, BAA acting president, Oabona Theetso, said they were happy that World Athletics saw fit to award the hosting rights to Kenya.<\/p>\n
“As Botswana, Kenya for us is home away from home. We have a good working relationship on many fronts with them,” Theetso said.<\/p>\n
\n He noted that taking a team to compete in Europe was always costly for Botswana, adding that expectations were high that they would have a larger pool of athletes qualifying for 2029.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kenya becomes the second nation in the region to be trusted with a major event by World Athletics, following Botswana’s successful hosting of the World Relays earlier this year.<\/p>\n The decision was announced on September 15 during the World Athletics Council meeting in Budapest and this is the first time in history that a senior championship will be held on African soil.<\/p>\n Nairobi won the bid ahead of European capital cities, including London and Rome.<\/p>\n After the announcement, Kenya President, William Ruto, said the country was a great sporting nation, hence they won the bid.<\/p>\n “For the first time in the history of World Athletics, the 2029 Championships will be held in Africa, in the Great Republic of Kenya,” Ruto said.<\/p>\n Ethiopian Athletics Federation president, Sileshi Sihin expressed confidence that Kenya would deliver a successful and memorable championship and showcase the strength, passion and excellence of African athletics to the world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “This is truly great and historic news for the entire African continent. It marks the first time that the World Athletics Championships will be hosted in Africa, representing a major milestone for African athletics,” he said.<\/p>\n
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