Kibuli trio leads Uganda's medal hunt as ISF Games kick off in Bahrain

Uganda's athletes are on the hunt for glory at the International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) U18 Gymnasiade Games as the week-long competition gets underway today in Manama, Bahrain.

Uganda is represented by six schools and a select athletics team of five girls, competing in table tennis, basketball 3x3, badminton, tennis, swimming, and athletics.

Uganda has a strong track record, particularly in athletics, where they have reached the podium several times in past editions. However, they have yet to achieve similar success in other disciplines. This time, there is hope for a medal in table tennis with teams from Kibuli, Seroma, and Mbogo.

The Kibuli SS teams are bolstered by stars Jemimah Nakawala and Judith Nangonzi Parvin, who recently helped Uganda win a bronze medal for the first time in 29 years at the ITTF Africa Senior Challenge in Ethiopia. Ankunda Samuel Mbabazi, who also performed well in the same championship, adds to the team's strength.

“I thank God that I have been improving in my game and the Ethiopia experience will help me match the competition here. I played against the continent’s best and learned a lot, so I hope for better results in Bahrain,” said Mbabazi. He bowed out at the round of 16, as did Parvin and Nakawala in the singles, but they reached the semifinals together for the historic bronze medal.

Uganda's other stars in the competition will be in badminton, swimming, athletics, and tennis, with basketball 3x3 starting on Saturday. The Uganda athletics team, comprising only girls for the first time, includes 800m gold holder Brenda Chekwemoi, leading the team alongside Margret Ijorea, Peace Mbabazi, Mary Awat, and Filster Chekwemoi in their hunt for medals.

The games were preceded by the official opening ceremony held at the Isa Sports Center in Isa Township of Manama on Thursday.