Uganda’s women’s table tennis team has made an inspiring start at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcasing grit and determination in an electrifying Day One performance. Competing under the bright lights of the Boulevard Riyadh City Arena, the trio of Jemimah Nakawala, Parvin Nangonzi, and Judith Mirembe battled through Group C with a mix of resilience and skill that turned heads.
Their opening clash against a seasoned Azerbaijan side ended in an 8–2 loss, but the Ugandan women refused to be discouraged. Drawing strength from their teamwork and spirit, they bounced back in style to claim a thrilling 8–4 victory over Pakistan, a result that has reignited their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals. The performance was a testament to Uganda’s growing stature in international table tennis, with the team’s energy and composure earning admiration from fans and officials alike.
Speaking after their impressive win, team captain Jemimah Nakawala praised her teammates’ fighting spirit, noting that the team had learned valuable lessons from the opening defeat. “We knew we had to respond, and we did it together,” Nakawala said. “This tournament is about testing ourselves against the best, and we’re proud of how we represented Uganda today.”
With one group match remaining, Uganda’s women’s team remains firmly in the hunt for a knockout stage berth. Their next fixture will be pivotal, as every point now counts in a tightly contested Group C. The determination on display suggests the East Africans are ready to rise to the challenge and push their campaign even further.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team is set to take center stage tonight when they face Algeria in a crucial Group C encounter that also features Guyana. The outcome will play a decisive role in shaping their path to the next round, as Uganda’s table tennis contingent continues to make waves on one of the sport’s grandest Islamic stages.
