News

University of Botswana (UB) Judo team delivered exceptional skill and determination, securing three gold medals in an impressive display at the prestigious Presidential Open Judo Championship held at UB Campus Indoor Sports Centre on the 31st of January 2026.

The three (3) medal‑winning athletes are Kgomotso Modisamongwe (48kg), Erickson Motseonageng (81kg) and Sensei Gilberto, who represented the University of Botswana in the veterans category. Other medals won by UB athletes at the competition include four (4) silver medals - Princess Mwanza (52kg), Patrinah Marape (48kg), Ogone Maoto (48kg) and Kenny Molato (73kg) as well as four bronze medals which were claimed by Patrinah Marape (52kg), Jenny Howard (63kg), Jenny Howard (57kg) and David Sello (66kg).

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Sports and Arts, Hon Jacob Kelebeng, said judo symbolised and showcased national unity, discipline and national aspirations. Hon Kelebeng further highlighted that judo reflected important values such as respect, courage, self‑control and perseverance. According to the Minister, the values strongly resonated with the country’s national ethos and development agenda.

He noted that UB’s hosting of the championship demonstrated the University’s commitment to and role in advancing sports development in Botswana. He added that the partnership between UB and the Ministry would enable athletes to train using high quality facilities and benefit from sports science, medical services as well as academic pathways that supported both sporting and educational excellence.

Acting Vice Chancellor, Mr Dawid Katzke, said Botswana Judo Federation played a pivotal role in nurturing talent, strengthening governance and placing Botswana on the international judo map. He further noted that the UB Judo Club, established in 2005 through the dedication of volunteer coaches and the support of the University, had grown into a vibrant sporting community.

Mr Katzke explained that the club currently boasted over 60 registered student athletes who actively participated in national federation events and regularly represented Botswana at regional championships.

Furthermore, Mr. Katzke stated that the Presidential Championship was a celebration of the growth of the sport, strength of institutional partnerships and achievements of young athletes who successfully balanced academic responsibilities with sporting ambition.