Uganda out of basketball, badminton at ISF U18 Gymnasiade Games

Uganda's athletes wrapped up a commendable campaign at the ISF U18 Gymnasiade games in Bahrain, gaining valuable experience in basketball, badminton, and table tennis despite bowing out in the group stages and early elimination rounds.

Seroma Christian High School represented Uganda in both boys' and girls' basketball 3x3.

The boys' team came close to advancing to the round of 16, winning two out of their three games on Tuesday by defeating India 21-6 and Malawi 17-15.

Unfortunately, they were edged out by Italy 14-9 in the deciding match. Meanwhile, the girls’ team, who had lost their initial five games, finished with strong wins over Bahrain 2 and North Macedonia, though they too did not advance.

Olivia Kyomukama in action at the ISF games on Tuesday. She bowed out at round two

In badminton, Uganda's top athletes Arafat Kibirige and Olivia Betty Kyomukama displayed resilience but ultimately bowed out. Kibirige reached the round of 16 after a victory over a Czech opponent but was eliminated by Chinese Taipei’s Cheng J in a 2-0 match. Kyomukama was stopped in the second round by Hungary’s Karalyose Eklker. The rest of the badminton team exited during the preliminary round.

Uganda's table tennis players also fought hard but could not progress beyond the group stages. Joshua Magaya won against India but was later eliminated following losses to China and Bahrain. Swabra Namiro of Mbogo College and Shafiq Namundi of Seroma managed individual wins but could not overcome opponents from stronger teams like Brazil, England, and Bulgaria.

Despite these results, Uganda's athletes have expressed gratitude for the opportunity, with badminton player Arafat Kibirige highlighting the experience as a valuable learning opportunity that will prepare them better for future competitions.

Uganda's medal hopes remain alive in athletics, where a silver medal has already been secured, as well as in tennis, where Kibuli’s team is set to compete for a spot in the semifinals. The games, which commenced last Friday, will conclude on Thursday with final events and the awards ceremony.

ISF selected results

Basketball boys Tuesday results

Seroma 21 India 6

Seroma 17 Malawi 15

Seroma 9 Italy 14

Girls

Seroma 14 Macedonia 7

Seroma 10 Bahrain 5

Badminton Singles boys Rd 16

Arafat Kibirige 0  Cheng J (C. Taipei) 2

Girls second round

Oliva Betty Kyomukama 0 Karalyose E (Hungary) 2

Uganda team finishes-3rd in group

Table tennis singles girls

Joshua Magaya (Kibuli SS), 1 win, 2 losses

Swabra Namiro (Mbogo Col)-1 win, 3 losses

Shafiq Namundi (Seroma)-1 win 2 losses