The Ghanaian contingent that represented the nation at the 31st edition of the FIUS World University Games has returned home after a commendable performance during the 12-day international multi-sport event held in Chengdu, China.

Ghana’s participation in the games marked a historic milestone as high-jumper Rose Yeboah secured the country’s first-ever gold medal since the inception of the event. Her remarkable achievement came in the form of a successful jump over the bar at 1.94 meters, also setting a new national record in the process. Yeboah’s feat surpassed the previous record of 1.92 meters set by Abigail Kwarteng in 2022.

The Ghanaian team, comprising 12 athletes, arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, August 8, greeted with a warm welcome.

Ibrahim Shaibu Tanko, President of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), expressed pride in the team’s performance, particularly the significant breakthrough of winning a gold medal. He noted, “It has uplifted the image of GUSA and Ghana in general because we are third in Africa as far as sports is concerned in the world behind South Africa and Uganda and 35th in the world. We had never won a medal before and this is the first time we have won a gold medal.”

Rose Yeboah’s golden achievement has also earned her qualification to compete in the upcoming 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, scheduled later this month. The 21-year-old athlete expressed her excitement for the opportunity to further enhance her skills and dedication.

“I am impressed to be one of the athletes heading to the World Athletics Championships because not everyone has gotten this opportunity,” Yeboah shared. “If I have gotten it, then I have to use it well, and I am impressed to be part of the team as well.”

The FIUS World University Games, a biennial event, attracts over 2,500 participants from more than 50 countries, showcasing the talent and dedication of student-athletes on a global stage.