By Matik Kueth
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has praised South Sudan’s national basketball teams for their outstanding performances on the global stage, describing their achievements as a source of national pride and a symbol of the country’s growing international reputation.
Kiir expressed his gratitude after receiving a briefing from the President of the South Sudan National Basketball Federation, Luol Deng Ajou, at the State House in Juba on Monday.
He applauded the federation for its commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting South Sudan’s image abroad.
The head of state reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the development of basketball, pledging continued backing for initiatives aimed at strengthening the sport and nurturing young talent.
He also lauded the federation’s leadership for using basketball as a platform to promote unity, inspire the youth and project a positive image of South Sudan on the world stage.
Ajou briefed the President on the federation’s recent achievements, ongoing development programmes and plans to expand basketball across the country.
The meeting underscored the government’s recognition of sport as an important tool for youth empowerment, national unity and international representation, with basketball emerging as one of South Sudan’s most successful sporting disciplines.