GABORONE, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo on Thursday received a tractor assembled in the country by a Chinese company using parts sourced from China.
At a ceremony in Gaborone, Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo praised Tebogo for elevating Botswana's global profile and showing the potential of young people across the country.
Tebogo won the men's 200m race at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with his win earning the first ever Olympic gold medal for Botswana.
Kenewendo also welcomed the donation from African Agriculture, a locally registered company owned by an overseas Chinese national, saying it linked sport with youth empowerment and agricultural development. She urged continued investment in young people who carry the nation's future.
Freddy Manganaatau of African Agriculture said Tebogo's discipline, humility and influence on young athletes made supporting him an easy decision.
Tebogo expressed gratitude, noting that the tractor would help his family and community. He thanked the company and the nation for their support.
Speaking with Xinhua, Tebogo called his visit to China earlier this year an honor. He described China as welcoming and said he hoped to return soon to compete.
Marumo Morule, board chairman of the Botswana National Sport Commission, thanked the private sector, sports bodies and Tebogo for their contributions to national development. ■