By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Sept. 19, GNA – The University of Ghana sports contingent has successfully returned to Ghana after a remarkable outing at the 12th Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Games in Cairo, Egypt.
The team touched down at the Accra International Airport on Friday after winning 23 medals at the tournament.
The university’s 31-member delegation, comprising 23 student-athletes and officials, competed in athletics, tennis and badminton against athletes from countries including Algeria, Botswana, South Africa and Rwanda.
The team amassed a total of 23 medals, made up of 10 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals, underlining the university’s growing dominance in African university sports.
Speaking to the media after the team’s arrival, Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of the Sports and Wellness Directorate, praised the athletes for their dedication and resilience despite the challenging conditions in Egypt.
He lauded the team’s resilience in dealing with the harsh weather conditions during the competition and still delivering impressive results.
Dr. Luguterah urged the government to invest more in university sports infrastructure and athlete development programmes, describing universities as a critical pathway for nurturing talent for national teams.
“Universities have always been the transition point for athletes into the national teams. If the government supports selected universities with funding and facilities, they can serve as natural academies for developing athletes for the country,” he said.
Madam Mary Zambilia Yahaya, head coach of the team, also lauded the athletes for balancing intense training schedules with their academic commitments throughout the season.
According to her, the athletes continued training while attending lectures and sitting examinations, demonstrating the discipline and focus required to compete successfully at the continental level.
“We trained while they were studying and even during examinations. The athletes remained focused because they understood the level of competition they were preparing for. They gave their all, and the results speak for themselves,” she said.
Madam Yahaya highlighted that the team’s gold medal tally had increased from nine at the previous edition of the Games to 10 in Cairo, reflecting steady progress in the university’s sports programme.
Madam Sakyi Scholastica Sedem, Assistant General Sports Secretary of the University of Ghana Students Sports Council, described the experience in Egypt as memorable and expressed gratitude to sponsors who supported the team’s participation.
She said the athletes and officials received excellent hospitality, accommodation and feeding arrangements throughout the competition and appealed for continued support from corporate organisations and stakeholders.
“Our experience in Egypt was very good. We were treated well, and everything went smoothly. We are grateful to all our sponsors for their support and hope to receive even more assistance in future competitions,” she said.
The team’s achievement further reinforces the University of Ghana’s reputation as one of the continent’s leading institutions in university sports and highlights the important role tertiary institutions play in developing future national athletes.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon AsareÂ
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