South African wheelchair tennis star and Paralympic Games medal hopeful, Kgothatso Montjane, has withdrawn from the Games in Paris.
Her management team says she is struggling to recover mentally because the emotional impact of the loss of her Mother is taking a toll on her.
According to Montjane, the decision is one of the most difficult she has ever made.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has confirmed that Kgothatso Montjane has withdrawn from all competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Montjane was scheduled to face China’s Luoyao Guo in the first round of the women’s wheelchair tennis singles on Saturday, but did not take to the court due to personal reasons.
Montjane’s withdrawal also means that she will no longer participate in the women’s wheelchair doubles, after she and her partner, Mariska Venter, won their first round match against the French duo of Emmanuelle Morch and Charlotte Fairbank.
ALSO READ : Ohlotse Modise to Represent SA at the Colombia Fashion Kids 2024
Meanwhile Limpopo Sport, Arts and MEC Jerry Maseko said that the departmet stands with the decision made by Montjane.
The MEC said though they supported her withdrawal from participating in the Paris Paralympic 2024, the province and the country was looking forward to watch Kgothatso Montjane participating and bringing home another trophy.
“As much as we understand and support the decision taken but is heartbreaking as this outstanding athlete, Ms Kgothatso Montjane is always raising the flag of the province and that of the country very high with her sterling performances on the global stage. We also find solace in the fact that she remains committed to sport and her future endeavours” said MEC Maseko.
MEC Maseko said that Montjane is going through the most difficult mourning period which affects the mind, body and soul whilst the participation in the field requires a strong mental state.
“As the department, we will continue supporting the Ms. Montjane during this mourning period until she recovers as we did since the news of the tragic passing of the mother broke. We wish her a speedy recovery,” said Maseko.
Kgothatso Montjane Withdraws from Paris Paralympics