(JUBA) – The European Union has pledged continued support for South Sudan’s sports sector, highlighting its role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and youth engagement.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Executive Board in Juba, Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, said sport offers more than athletic achievement. “Sport drives youth development, reduces school dropout, combats violence against girls and strengthens national capacity,” he said. Jaschke added that Olympic committees also advance international diplomacy and raise countries’ global profiles.
South Sudan, a young nation with around 12 million people, formed its Olympic committee in 2015. It gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee the same year and has competed in three Summer Games since its debut in Rio 2016. Initially represented only in athletics in 2016 and 2020, the country expanded its Olympic programme to basketball at Paris 2024, generating national excitement.
Jaschke praised the men’s basketball team as a source of national pride. “Everyone is talking about the basketball team. They achieved remarkable success and carried the name and flag of South Sudan to the world,” he said.
Despite its youth as an independent country and economic challenges, with GDP per capita below $500 (around 3.55 million SSP), basketball has emerged as a unifying beacon. The national team qualified for both the 2024 Olympics and the 2023 FIBA World Cup despite a history of civil conflict between 2013 and 2020.
South Sudan faces ongoing humanitarian challenges. United Nations reports indicate that 7.7 million people face critical hunger levels, nine out of ten states have cholera outbreaks, and over 390,000 people are displaced by violence.
Guided by former NBA player Luol Deng and coach Royal Ivey, the basketball squad includes foreign-born athletes and refugees. Their achievements are widely regarded as a sporting miracle, offering national unity and inspiration. Khaman Maluach, born in Rumbek and raised as a refugee in Kampala, was drafted tenth overall in the NBA and is currently 19, standing out at Duke University as one of the world’s most promising young centres.
Jaschke also praised NOC President Chuol Laam for his leadership and peacemaking role. “Sport improves physical and mental health, enhances learning, builds self esteem, fosters inclusion, and promotes cultural diversity among children and youth,” he said.
The EU official encouraged the integration of athletes into national sports policy through advisory boards. “Sport needs structures: Olympic committees, national federations, and major events,” he said. South Sudan currently has 14 recognised sporting federations. Jaschke also highlighted that the UCI Road World Championships will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, and expressed hope that South Sudan’s Cycling Federation will participate.
South Sudan Olympic Participation Overview
| Year | Summer Olympics | Sport Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Rio de Janeiro | Athletics | Debut appearance |
| 2020 | Tokyo | Athletics | Continued focus |
| 2024 | Paris | Basketball | First team participation; broad media attention |
Economic and Social Benefits of Sport in South Sudan
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Youth Development | Reduces school dropout, fosters skills |
| Health | Improves physical and mental well being |
| Inclusion | Encourages participation across communities |
| International Profile | Raises South Sudan’s global visibility |
| Peacebuilding | Promotes unity in post conflict society |
