Uganda claimed a breakthrough result in Riyadh as the women’s doubles team secured bronze at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games.
The pair of Parvin Judith Nangonzi and Jemimah Nakawala, both from Kibuli Secondary School, delivered the result that gives Uganda its first medal in table tennis at the event.
Their strong run gathered pace in the quarter finals where they edged Azerbaijan in a tight 3 to 2 contest. The win pushed them into the last four for the first time, and although they fell to a more seasoned Iranian side in the semifinals, that finish guaranteed them bronze with both losing semifinalists taking third place.
Nangonzi called the medal a special moment since it marks her first at the Games, and she credited her family, school, and coaches for the backing that helped her reach this stage. Nakawala said the result has pushed her to aim higher as she builds on the experience.
Head coach Alvin Katumba praised the group’s commitment and said the result shows the progress the squad has been making. He added that the bronze will lift the profile of the sport in Uganda and inspire more young players to compete at international level.
