Sport in South Sudan
Located in the northeastern region of Africa, this landlocked country officially became an independent state after declaring their independence from Sudan on July 9th, 2011. With a long history of conflicts, it is no wonder that most of its traditional sports involved mock battles and wrestling. As far as modern sports are concerned, South Sudan has come to love football.
The government has supported the growth of sports in the country to provide a sense of inspiration among the youth. The South Sudan Youth Sports Association (SSYSA) regularly holds football clinics in Juba. As a matter of fact, South Sudan has hosted the CECAFA youth football competitions quite recently. Their very first taste of international competition was in the 2012 CECAFA Cup held in Uganda.
South Sudan's national football team became a FIFA member in 2012 and have produced recognizable players like Athir Thomas, Richard Justin, Goma Genaro Awad, James Moga, Roy Gulwak, Khamis Martin and Khamis Leyano. South Sudanese have slowly made an impact in international sports, basketball in particular. Luol Deng plays in the biggest basketball stage in the United States, the National Basketball Association. There are also quite a number of international basketball players who came from South Sudan like Kueth Duany, Ater Majok, Deng Gai and Manute Bol.
The Republic of South Sudan were trying to create a National Olympic Committee before London 2012, but was unsuccessful. Marathon runner Guor Marial, a South Sudanese refugee who lived in the US competed as an Independent Athlete.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to The Republic of South Sudan. Is there something to add? If you know of something that should be listed here, please make a comment below.
Popular sports of South Sudan
- Football (Soccer), Basketball, Track and Field
South Sudan Sporting Success
Great athletes from South Sudan
- Guor Marial (marathon runner, best time 2:12:55). Competed at the 2012 London Olympics as an Independent Athlete.
- Luol Deng (Basketball)
- Lopez Lomong (track and field)
South Sudan Sports trivia
- The best-known athlete to have been born in South Sudan is British basketball captain Luol Deng / Chicago Bulls player
South Sudan at major events
Past sporting events hosted in South Sudan
Upcoming sporting events in South Sudan
Annual sporting events held in South Sudan
Sporting Facilities in South Sudan
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