At the inaugural African School Games, Team Rwanda achieved a remarkable feat—bringing home a gold medal in Women’s Basketball 3×3 and a bronze medal in the Women’s 3000m athletics event. This historic win marked a triumphant moment for the nation, earned against all odds.
On July 23, 2025, Rwanda’s delegation departed for the first edition of the African School Games, set to run from July 26 to August 5, 2025, with grand opening and closing ceremonies. Rwanda’s participation included Basketball 3×3 for both men’s and women’s teams, and Athletics in the 200m, 400m, and 3000m categories for both genders.
Following a rigorous selection process, the athletes were accompanied by their respective coaches:
- Men’s Basketball 3×3 – Coach Gihana Jimmy: Bizimana Kayira Plamedie, Kabutura Cruz Ian, Mugisha Reponse, Ndoba Mwimba Gabriel.
- Women’s Basketball 3×3 – Coach Shema Didier: Kwitonda Teta Nicole, Gihozo Esther, Ndaruhutse Atete Laissa, Iragena Mahoro Emelyne.
- Athletics – Coach Kanyabugoyi Annicet (both genders): Niyomugenga Sandrine, Irafasha Theogene, Abizera Sonia Eli-Elohe, Kizere Samuel.
The basketball campaign began with a winning streak for both teams. The women defeated Algeria 20–10 and Nigeria 11–9, while the men triumphed over Uganda 15–7. The following day saw mixed results. The women lost 13–10 to Benin but bounced back with a 16–15 victory over Uganda. The men beat Ghana 22–9 but fell to Algeria 8–5, ending their run in the group stage.
In the women’s semi-finals, Rwanda edged Uganda 14–13, setting up a tense final against Nigeria. In an edge of the seat gold medal match, Rwanda triumphed 12–11 to secure the championship. Final standings: Rwanda – Gold, Nigeria – Silver, Uganda – Bronze.
On the athletics track, Rwanda competed in both sprints and long-distance races:
- 400m Men – Kizere Samuel: 5th in Heat 1 (53.40s), 11th overall, 4 seconds behind first place.
- 400m Women – Abizera Sonia: 2nd in Heat 1 (59.42s), 7th overall, qualified for finals (5th with 59.08s), 3 seconds behind first place.
- 200m Women – Abizera Sonia: 4th in Heat 3 (27.20s), did not qualify for finals.
The standout performance in athletics came in the Women’s U18 3000m, where Niyomugenga Sandrine claimed bronze with a time of 9:43.19. In the men’s 3000m, Irafasha Theogene posted a personal best of 8:56.41, improving by 30 seconds from his usual average of 9:30, though missing the podium.
Upon their return, the teams were warmly welcomed by the President of the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC), Ms. UMULINGA Alice, alongside RNOSC Secretary General Mr. KAJANGWE Joseph. In her address, President Umulinga expressed heartfelt gratitude and encouragement: “I would like to sincerely thank our athletes for their teamwork, true sportsmanship, and patriotism, which have made Rwanda proud. I am also deeply grateful to the parents for allowing their children to participate, and to the coaches, medical team, and support staff for standing by our athletes every single day despite the challenges. We also thank the Ministry of Sports for its continued support. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration across the sports ecosystem so that we can achieve even greater success in the future.”
Rwanda’s debut at the African School Games was a testament to courage, resilience, and potential. From the thrilling Basketball 3×3 gold to the determined bronze medal run in athletics, these young athletes proved they can compete, and win on the international stage. Their performances set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.