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Shamika beat South Africa's Johanita Scholz 2-1 in the three sets 21-14, 14-21, 21-18 to claim the women's singles gold. It was also the first for Uganda at the showpiece.
The Ugandan Badminton fraternity can finally afford a smile after Fadilah Shamika Mohammed secured the country's first gold at the Africa Mixed Badminton Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Shamika beat South Africa's Johanita Scholz 2-1 in the three sets 21-14, 14-21, 21-18 to claim the women's singles gold. It was also the first for Uganda at the showpiece.
The 18-year-old says it's a great experience to claim gold at such a competition.
“I’m grateful for this because I really didn't have much time to prepare,” an elated Shamika said.
“Honestly, I want to thank my dad for pushing me to reach this level. I was exhausted but he kept telling me ‘one more to go’,” she noted after the victory.
“What kept me going was to decide to think as I played because I was tired but kept going.”
Fadilah is no stranger to winning, in 2022 she represented Uganda at the All Africa U-19 championships in Mauritius. She won three gold medals in the women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles. She wrapped it up with a team bronze.
Dismal team show
Uganda was represented by 10 badminton players at the just concluded badminton championships led by captain Amos Muyanja and seed one Brian Kasirye.
However, all of them fell short in individual and team events. Most were eliminated in the round of 32.
The Uganda Badminton Federation will now shift its focus to the Uganda International Challenge Championships.
Over 40 countries are expected to take part in the tournament set for February 22nd to 27th at the MTN Arena Lugogo in Kampala.
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