BOTSWANA GOLDEN GRAND PRIX REGAINS GOLD STATUS FOR 2027

By Ohis Asein

The Botswana Golden Grand Prix has regained its Gold status on the World Athletics Continental Tour for 2027, marking a significant milestone for Botswana athletics and the country's growing reputation as a host of international sporting events.

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) confirmed the development, describing it as an important step forward for the competition, which has continued to attract world-class athletes and Olympic champions since its establishment in 2023.

The return to Gold status restores the meeting to one of the prestigious categories of the World Athletics Continental Tour and reinforces Botswana's ambition to become a major destination for elite athletics competitions on the African continent.

The competition has provided local athletes with valuable opportunities to compete alongside some of the world's best performers while giving international stars a platform to showcase their talents before athletics fans in Botswana.

However, following the 2025 edition, the meeting was downgraded from Gold to Silver status after the organisers missed key administrative deadlines set by World Athletics.

The restoration of Gold status for the 2027 edition represents renewed progress for the event and an important opportunity for the organisers to strengthen its position on the international athletics calendar.

Adding to Botswana's growing profile in the sport, the country will also host the second stop of the newly established African Athletics Tour, which will be the tour's first Gold-level meeting.

The development further positions Botswana at the centre of continental athletics and provides another opportunity to showcase African talent on an international stage.

The next edition of the Botswana Golden Grand Prix is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2027, at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.

The event is expected to bring together international athletics stars and emerging local talents, creating another opportunity for thrilling competition while promoting Botswana to a global audience.

The Botswana Athletics Association has congratulated the Golden Door Sports Agency and other stakeholders whose contributions helped the competition regain its Gold status.

The association described the achievement as an important milestone in Botswana's pursuit of greater international recognition and the long-term development of the event.

With the return of Gold status and its role in the African Athletics Tour, the Botswana Golden Grand Prix is set to play an important part in the continued growth of athletics in Botswana and across Africa.