The 2024 Olympics in Paris is one-and-half years away but the Uganda Olympics Committee is well aware that the early the preparations the better.
The previous edition – 2020 Tokyo Olympics – was a big success and UOC wants to build on that for another successful event.
Then, Uganda managed to scoop four medals – Peruth Chemutai (gold), Jacob Kiplimo (bronze) and Joshua Cheptegei double (gold+silver).
The Country was represented by 25 competitors, the biggest number since Los Angeles games in 1984 (26).
Uganda’s highest representation is 33, recorded at the 1972 Munich games.
“We like to have an increased number of athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The last Olympics games in Tokyo we had 25, most of them were coming from the Sport of Athletics. We had only two disciplines that contributed to the team that is Swimming and Boxing,” said Beatrice Ayikoru, the UOC Secretary General.
“We have earmarked many sports disciplines, about nine of them and we think they have a chance to qualify athletes to Paris. We want to increase the number at least to 35.
“If you look at individual sports, it’s not very easy, the qualifying standards are very high. Its not going to be very easy for us, it will be tough and of course we will have to get some support from Government.”
Ayikoru added: “The qualification window has opened and we want to start preparations now. If you look at Athletics, the qualifications standards are higher than the ones for the last event. For you to qualify, you must be like breaking National records. That’s how stiff it is.”
“We also look at qualifier events. The Commonwealth Youth games and the Africa Championships that National Federations should take advantage of.”
Ayikoru revealed that their long term target is to take 50+ athletes but they want to take it step by step.
“To reach there, you must be organised, and have team sports like Rugby and basketball among others on board because they bring good numbers.”
“We also want to look at the quality bit as well. We won Four medals in Tokyo, and we want to increase on that.”
Uganda first participated at the Olympic in 1956, and have been a permanent fixture since except for the boycotted 1976 Summer Olympics.
Uganda has won a total of 11 medals, all in Athletics and Boxing.
Donald Rukare, the Uganda Olympics Committee President said that they have to work closely with Federations to achieve the set targets.
“It’s important for Federations to have a plan, and that must be linked to their strategic plan, supported by all of us that is NCS and Olympics,” stated Rukare.
“There are some new disciplines like Dance Sport and we must take advantage of that as well.
“If we continue engaging with different Federations, then we can easily achieve the dreams. It’s a big task but one we are looking forward to.”
