Heroes’ welcome for Commonwealth Games medalists

Lesotho’s Commonwealth Games team returned home to a jubilant heroes’ welcome on Tuesday after ending a 20-year medal drought with two historic bronze medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Thousands of Basotho lined the roads from the national border to Maseru before gathering at Makoanyane Square, where the athletes were officially welcomed home following one of the country’s most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns in recent history.

The celebrations centred on boxers RapelangMaselela and Pooana Khoali, who each claimed bronze medals in their respective weight divisions. Their achievements not only restored Lesotho’s place on the Commonwealth Games medal table but also marked a milestone for the country’s sporting history.

Maselela, competing in the women’s under-57kg category, became the first Mosotho woman ever to win a Commonwealth Games medal, a landmark achievement that has inspired celebration across the nation.

Lesotho was represented by 14 athletes competing in boxing and athletics during the Games, which concluded on 2 August in Glasgow, Scotland. While only boxing produced medals, the team’s performance was widely praised as a major step forward for sport in the Mountain Kingdom.

Historic boxing campaign

Khoali’s route to the podium was an impressive display of dominance. Fighting in the men’s under-65kg division, he opened his campaign with a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision victory in the Round of 32 before repeating the same scoreline in the quarter-finals to book a place in the semi-finals. Although he was defeated 5-0 in the last four, boxing rules award bronze medals to losing semi-finalists, securing him a place on the podium.

Maselela enjoyed an equally memorable journey. After receiving a bye into the quarter-finals when her scheduled opponent was unable to compete, she defeated her quarter-final opponent by a 4-1 decision to reach the semi-finals. Her contest was stopped by the referee in the semi-final, resulting in defeat, but her place among the final four earned her a bronze medal.

‘I want better than bronze’

Speaking during the welcome ceremony, an emotional Maselela said wearing the national colours on the international stage was one of the proudest moments of her life.

“It was a very proud moment. The nerves and anxiety were high but I was honoured. I went to represent Lesotho and said I would leave my hands there if I had to,” she said.

The 57kg boxer described the medal as both a reward and a challenge.

“It is pressure and motivation. It tells me to go back and work harder for the next competition. Obviously I do not want bronze—I want better.”

Maselela, who has only been boxing for three years, admitted she never imagined reaching such heights so quickly.

“I put in everything I have and when the selection was done it was a huge honour for me.”

She added that being the last Lesotho boxer to compete gave her valuable time to recover from the long journey and regain her competition weight. With few opponents available locally in her weight division, she credited her coaches for arranging international bouts that prepared her for Glasgow.

“It was emotional for me. I was proud of myself and my country. My coaches worked hard to get me opponents outside the country.”

Government hails national achievement

Minister of Sports, Arts, Culture and Tourism MputiMputi described the team’s success as a proud moment for Lesotho, saying every athlete who qualified for the Games deserved recognition.

“I would like to thank our athletes for bringing victory to our country. After 20 years, Lesotho once again has Commonwealth Games medallists.”

The Minister recalled watching one of the boxing contests in Glasgow where a Mosotho boxer knocked out an opponent, saying the performance moved him to tears.

“What these athletes have achieved is extraordinary. Their return is a day of celebration for all Basotho. Even those who did not win medals should know they are champions because qualifying for the Commonwealth Games is itself a remarkable achievement.”

Inspiring the next generation

Member of Parliament Thabo Maretlane congratulated the team, saying the achievements would encourage young people to pursue sporting excellence.

“I congratulate these athletes for bringing great honour to Lesotho. It is especially encouraging that, for the first time, a woman has won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. This will inspire young girls across the country to pursue their sporting dreams.”

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister, Samuel NtsoakoaneMatekane warmly welcomed Team Lesotho and congratulated the athletes on their outstanding achievements, particularly the historic bronze medals won at the Games.

He reaffirmed the Government of Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to the development of Sport and pledged that the Government will continue to invest in and support the growth of sport across the country.

The Prime Minister also called upon the private sector, development partners and all stakeholders to join hands in supporting and investing in Sport, recognizing its power to inspire, unite and transform lives.

As a token of appreciation for their remarkable achievement, the Prime Minister announced a cash reward of M50,000 for each bronze medallist. This is in addition to the M20,000 performance incentives that will be awarded by the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Lesotho.

The reception marked a fitting celebration of Team Lesotho’s dedication, resilience and historic success, while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to empowering its athletes to achieve even greater success on the international stage.

Eyes on Los Angeles 2028

While celebrations filled Makoanyane Square, Team Lesotho has already shifted its focus to the future. Officials and athletes say preparations have begun for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where they hope to build on the momentum created in Glasgow.

For a nation that had waited two decades to celebrate Commonwealth Games medallists, the achievements of RapelangMaselela and Pooana Khoali represent more than bronze medals. They have rekindled hope, inspired a new generation of athletes, and reminded Basotho that with determination and hard work, Lesotho can compete among the best on the international stage.

Seabata Mahao

Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.