Filster and Brenda Chekwemoi qualify for ISF 1,500m final

Uganda's hopes for more medals remain strong at the ISF Gymnasiade U18 games in Bahrain, with runners Filster Chekwemoi and Brenda Chekwemoi both advancing to the finals. 

Despite not being related, the pair, running in separate heats, gave impressive performances: Filster finished first in her heat, while Brenda placed second in hers. 

They will compete in the finals on Tuesday, where they’ll face tough competition from a Chilean runner who previously edged out Brenda. Uganda is optimistic about the chances for another medal, adding to Brenda's silver from the 800m race on Saturday.

Filster Chekwemoi after winning heat one of the 1,500m

Meanwhile, Uganda's badminton athletes have started well in the singles category, with Denis Mukasa, Kibirige Tendo Arafat, and Olivia Betty Kyomukama all advancing to the second round. However, Anna Mary Nakanwagi sustained a knee injury in her match against an opponent from Azerbaijan, ending her tournament run, while other Ugandan players, Nazifa Nakiyemba, Bartha Kaweesi, and Aaron Ndawula, also bowed out in the first round.

In table tennis, although the Ugandan teams did not progress in the main competition, they won their placement games to secure better standings. The individual singles competitions begin on Tuesday, and coach Richard Muguluma expressed confidence that the players will perform well.

Brenda Chekwemoi during the 1,500m heat two at Bahrain National Stadium on Monday

Seroma Christian High School’s boys' basketball 3x3 team also achieved a hard-fought 13-11 victory over hosts Bahrain but faced a tough 20-10 defeat to Brazil. They still have a chance to reach the round of 16, provided they win their remaining games against Malawi, Italy, and India. However, the girls’ team has faced challenges, recording five losses in as many games, including defeats to England and Chinese Taipei.

The ISF Gymnasiade games will continue through Thursday, featuring multiple disciplines and concluding with the finals and awards.