The Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) officially welcomed Team Lesotho home following their outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where the Kingdom secured two historic bronze medals in boxing.
The athletes, Team Lesotho, were received at the Maseru Border Post before being escorted in a celebratory motorcade to Makoanyane Square where they were welcomed by government officials, the sporting fraternity and members of the public.
In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Stephen Mputi congratulated the athletes on their historic achievement, describing their medals as a victory for the entire nation.
Minister Mputi commended them for their discipline, perseverance and commitment, saying they had proudly represented Lesotho on the international stage and inspired a new generation of Basotho athletes.
The occasion celebrated not only the athletes’ remarkable achievements but also the resilience, discipline and determination they displayed throughout the Games.
Their success has brought immense pride to the nation and further demonstrated Lesotho’s growing competitiveness on the international sporting stage.
Lesotho participated in the Commonwealth Games since 1974, with athletes competing in disciplines including athletics, boxing, cycling and swimming.
Over the years, the Kingdom produced several outstanding performances, but Commonwealth Games medals have remained rare.
Lesotho has enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games across both athletics and boxing over the years.
The Kingdom’s first Commonwealth Games medal was a gold won by Thabiso Moqhali in the men’s marathon at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
At the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Thabiso Moqhali added a bronze medal in the men’s marathon, while Sephula Letuka also claimed bronze in boxing. In 2006, Moses Kopo won a silver medal in boxing, further strengthening Lesotho’s reputation in the sport.
The bronze medals won by Pooana Khoahli and Rapelang Maselela at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have added a new chapter to the nation’s sporting history, bringing Lesotho’s overall Commonwealth Games medal tally to six medals: one gold, one silver and four bronze.
The Ministry recognized the commitment of the athletes, coaches, technical officials and support staff whose collective efforts contributed to this historic achievement. The Ministry also extends its appreciation to Basotho for their unwavering support before and throughout the Games.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
