Chengdu FISU Games 
Host City: Chengdu, China
Dates: 10 August 

On 8 August, the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games closed off at Chengdu Open Air Music Park, which proved to be an unforgettable experience and left fond memories for all the participants.

The Theme of the games “Chengdu Makes Dreams Come True” held a profound meaning, and represented the vibrant spirit of the youth, making the games a remarkable celebration of the 6,500 students from 113 countries across the globe.

Leonz Eder, acting President of the International University Sports Federations said, “What the student-athletes have experienced is gold medal standard,”.

“The games were more than winning medals. Their dreams have come true,” Eder stated.

Following the 12-day competition across 18 sports events at 36 venues, China, the host nation, retained the bragging rights. 

China led the medal tally with 103 gold, 40 silver, and 35 bronze. Japan was in second place with 93 medals. Both South Korea and Italy won 58 and 56 medals, in the third and fourth positions respectively. 

South Africa and Uganda were the only two African countries in the top 30. South Africa finished 19th with 19 medals where as Uganda won two medals (gold and silver) to place 29th tying with Jamaica and Luxembourg. 

“Great performance”, was the word that Penina Kabenge, Association of Uganda University Sports President used to describe Uganda’s performance at the Chengdu FISU World University games.

“I am impressed with how Uganda performed at the games. It is not easy to finish in the top 30, occupying the same positions with USA, and Australia which are competitive nations on the world stage,” remarked the FISU Vice President. 

 Great experience 
While the World’s eyes were set on the dynamic performances of different nations, the host City offered so much more like the culturally rich experiences.

However, the real stars of the court were the Charming Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Muyanja Amos,  a Ugandan Badminton player told vision sport that visiting the Panda Base was one of his best moments.

“Panda is a unique animal, lovable, and was happy to be part of touring the panda base,” Muyanja said.

Muyanja, who was also the Captain of the badminton team expressed that the Chengdu games were a learning experience.

“I think our performance was good. We were not that competitive. But am so confident that we will pick up ourselves and use the Chengdu games to get better,” Muyanja added.

What the coaches say

Team Uganda had one common goal, to improve on their ranking, utilize the platform and the onus was on the coaches to make that happen.

Athletics dominated the medal tally. Yeko Dismas’s gold in the men’s 10,000m and Silver medal from Aciru Knight in the women’s 800m.

Freddie Kirabo acknowledged that the absence of medals from other disciplines has sparked the hunger in his players.

“We did not win medals but my players picked so many lessons,” the coach in charge of Badminton said.

“They were raw with little experience, then they had high expectations before the games when it was time to play, they got nervous and anxiety kicked in,” Kirabo added. 

Uganda's Badminton team was eliminated at the preliminary stage in both the men’s and women’s singles and also the mixed doubles at Shuangliu Sports Centre Gymnasium.

“Our focus now turns to upcoming tournaments. From October 27-30th, we will have both Kampala and Uganda International badminton tournaments,” Kirabo stated.

Faustion Kiwa, Athletics coach had one message for his team,” Go home and rest, then start preparing for 2023 All Africa University games in March,”.

“I do not want you to think that this is the end of the world. Competitions are many, so be prepared to grab them,” Kiwa added.

For Tennis, Charles Ssenyange stressed that his team is eager to compete again.

“We will resume practice soon for the Africa University Tennis Slam in November this year,” Ssenyange stated.

“But I want to talk to AUUS to allow all the tennis players (students) to continue practicing so that we keep the momentum,” he added.

Uganda in Chengdu

Paul Mark Kayongo, Uganda’s Head of Delegation at the Chengdu FISU Games, said that Chengdu provided Uganda with a platform for strategic partnerships.

“Uganda came here to perform well. Luckily, we won two medals and that is good to show the world that we are also competitors,” Kayondo noted.

“Our strategy for funding is to be consistent in a good performance to attract more government funds but also from member associations and key partners,” he added.

Uganda has participated in the Summer FISU World University games since 1973 more than any other African country.

“We have a lot of promotable achievements that we can use to boost university sports brand that can  appeal to our partners, help in attracting more sponsorships,” Kayongo stressed.

Rhine-Ruhr, Germany will host the 32 edition of the FISU World University Games in 2025.