The National Council of Sports Chairman Ambrose Tashobya has praised athletics for consistently upholding the nation's pride with stellar performances.

Tashobya was speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the team to the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

The contingent representing Uganda at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships comprises 27 athletes, with 14 men and 13 women. Annet Chelangat leads the team as captain, guided by Coach Benjamin Njia and Grace Chesang. 

"The athletes have demonstrated their readiness, and we are here to offer our unwavering support. Our commitment as the government is to provide the necessary resources for the team to excel. We are confident that they will return triumphant," Tashobya said.

Junior women team

The athletes will compete in two categories: senior and junior teams. Although Senior Men's defending champion Jacob Kiplimo and bronze medalist Joshua Cheptegei were not present during the flag-off ceremony, having departed for Serbia earlier, Team Coach Benjamin Njia remains optimistic about the team's prospects.

"We underwent rigorous training during our camp in Kapchorwa. The athletes are in prime condition, free from injuries. I am optimistic that with proper execution, the team will surpass its previous performance in 2023," Njia emphasized.

At the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country event in Belgrade, Uganda clinched four medals. Jacob Kiplimo secured gold, while Joshua Cheptegei and both the men's and women's teams brought home bronze medals. Despite their commendable achievements, Uganda finished third overall, trailing behind Ethiopia and Kenya, the defending champions.