Relay team ready for historic debut at 2025 World Athletics Relays

Excitement and determination are in the air as Uganda’s national relay team prepares for one of the biggest athletics events of the year — the 2025 World Athletics Relays, scheduled for May 10–11 in Guangzhou, China.

For the first time, Uganda will field a mixed relay team in this prestigious global competition.

The delegation comprises four promising athletes — Shida Leni, Maureen Banura, Godfrey Chan Wengo, and Haron Adoli — under the guidance of experienced coach Moses Asonya. The team departs from Uganda on Wednesday, May 7, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its flag raised high on the world stage.

Among the squad, sprinter Haron Adoli has emerged as a vocal and confident leader. Known for his explosive speed and composure under pressure, Adoli views this opportunity as more than just a race — he sees it as a national mission.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of the World Athletics Relays. The qualification process was tough, but I’m proud we made it,” Adoli said before departure. “As a team, we want to give it our all and make our country and federation proud.”

Regarded as one of Uganda’s top relay runners, Adoli believes the team has what it takes to challenge sprinting powerhouses on the global stage.

Maureen Banura, another key figure on the mixed relay team, echoed Adoli’s pride and ambition. Calm and focused, she acknowledged the weight of the moment.

“Qualifying was a great honor, and I’m hopeful we’ll finish in the medal bracket — that’s every athlete’s dream,” Banura stated.

For Banura, Adoli, and their teammates Leni and Wengo, this event is more than a race — it’s a stepping stone to international recognition and a chance to contribute to Uganda’s growing presence in global athletics.

High Stakes on the Global Stage

The 2025 World Athletics Relays will feature teams from 16 nations, all competing for both prestige and prize money. The stakes are high: the winning team will take home sh146 million, with sh73 million awarded to the runners-up, sh36 million for third place, and sh7 million for the team finishing eighth.

As they head to Guangzhou, Uganda’s athletes are not just aiming to participate — they are determined to compete with purpose, unity, and pride.