Botswana karate team jets off for Indo-Pacific Cup 2026
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Nelson Ramaotwana has officially sent off Nihon Karate Kyokai Botswana national team as they head to the Indo-Pacific Cup 2026 in Mauritius.
Speaking at the sending off ceremony in Gaborone on Friday, Ramaotwana commended the squad’s dedication and highlighted the powerful role karate plays in nation-building by instilling respect, self-control, and focus.
He further noted that karate in particular teaches more than fighting. “It teaches respect, discipline, self-control and focus – values we need in our youth and in our nation,” he said.
Reflecting on the squad’s readiness to fulfill this national mandate, Chief Instructor Sensei Dr. Keone Kgorotlhe shared the dedication behind their journey.
“We have put in long, grueling hours of training on the tatami, but the team has thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the preparation. This journey has brought us closer, and we are ready,” he added.
The Chief Instructor assured the nation that the delegation will represent the country with the utmost integrity. “The team is heading out not just to hunt for medals, but to grow and elevate Shotokan karate back home,”
The tournament kicks off with a massive week of intensive training alongside legendary master instructors from Japan.
