Botswana declares public holiday for 'historic' World Athletics Championships men's relay victory

President Duma Boko congratulates the men's 4x400m relay team for winning gold at the World Athletic Championships.

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President Duma Boko hailed the gold medal as a "historic African win", in an online address praising the team for their performance.

He announced Monday, 29 September, as a holiday to celebrate the achievement - a day ahead of the country's independence day.

On Sunday, Botswana's team of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi edged out the US, the winners of the last 10 world titles, in a rain-drenched race. South Africa took third position.

"I'll be sure to tell everyone, Botswana's natural diamonds are not just in the ground, they are our World Champion athletes," the president said, speaking from New York where he is attending the UN General Assembly.