Uganda’s middle-distance duo, Tom Dradriga and Halima Nakaayi, are gearing up for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21-23.
As the first global athletics championship of 2025, the event promises intense competition, with elite athletes from over 120 nations vying for top honors.
Their participation, confirmed by Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) President Dominic Otuchet, comes at a historic time as Uganda celebrates 100 years of athletics.
Otuchet expressed confidence in the pair, highlighting the significance of their journey to Nanjing and the potential for a strong showing on the global stage.
Dradriga, a two-time Ugandan national champion with a personal best of 1:44.74 in the 800m, is eager to prove himself.
“I am super excited and ready to do my best. My training has been intense, and I’m going to give my all for Uganda,” he told NBS Sport.
His race will be one to watch, especially as the indoor 800m often produces unpredictable results due to the tighter track and tactical racing.
Meanwhile, Nakaayi, the 2019 World Champion in the 800m, is looking to recapture her top form.
“I am targeting to be the best version of myself—better than the Halima Nakaayi of 2019,” she confidently stated.
With her experience and proven ability to deliver on big stages, she remains a strong contender.
The World Indoor Championships are known for producing dramatic showdowns, especially in the middle-distance races, where split-second decisions can determine podium finishes.
The event will also feature global stars like Olympic 5000m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and defending world indoor 3000m champion Josh Kerr, setting the stage for electrifying contests.
Uganda’s track and field momentum continues to grow, with Otuchet praising the government’s investment in sports infrastructure, including the redevelopment of Namboole Stadium.
“This will help us produce more champions like Joshua Cheptegei and Stephen Kiprotich,” he noted.
With their sights set on medals, Dradriga and Nakaayi will be carrying Uganda’s hopes in Nanjing, aiming to make a statement against the world’s best.
