By Our Reporter
Uganda are World Cup champions. In Ludo.
Uganda became Ludo World Champions
In an event that ended last week, Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF) president Hussein Kalule could not wait to solicit money.
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Starting the world championship competition with only two players did not prohibit the Ludo Doves team from winning and becoming the 2022 World Champions.
In an event that ended last week, Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF) president Hussein Kalule could not wait to solicit money for the whole team but sent the first two to avoid walkovers.
The lady who played with the men, Betty Nagadya paired with a teammate in Nansana’s Galaxy Emmanuel Mubiru to travel in the advanced team to Nepal for the championship where they won all their games on day one before the full team of five players went into action the following day.
The president of Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF), Hussein Kalule (left) receives the World Ludo Championship trophy from the captain Huzaifa Matovu
The president of Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF), Hussein Kalule (left) receives the World Ludo Championship trophy from the captain Huzaifa Matovu
“We delayed in getting funds and the team travelled in batches. But the experienced players Nagadya and Mubiru, all from Nansana Galaxy had a good combination and time management on the board to lead their group with seven points,” noted Kalule after receiving the trophy from the team at the New Obligato at Bat Valley in Kampala.
“We have a very strong league at home and probably in the world. Our players have practiced playing under pressure in a short time and that’s how we had an upper hand over all the opponents. But we also learned a few things like how one can become the MVP,” he added.
He said ULF is waiting for the appointment with NCS to officially hand over the trophy to the government.
The president of Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF), Hussein Kalule (in suit) receives the World Ludo Championship trophy from the players
The president of Uganda Ludo Federation (ULF), Hussein Kalule (in suit) receives the World Ludo Championship trophy from the players
He also said Uganda is ready to host international Ludo tournaments like the World Cup but has to first lobby for the commitment of funds by the government.
“We cannot bid without confirmation by the government to fund,” he noted.
Uganda won the World Ludo Championship beating Nepal 3-1 in the finals in Dubai to be the first African country to win the accolade.
“Brazil and India have been the dominant winners,” he highlighted.
Kalule has assured the Ludo fraternity that normal activity shall begin soon with the national league final outing.
Starting next year, Kalule thinks introducing the game in schools will be the solace to developing Ludo and having many youths play.
“We are planning next year to start Ludo in schools. It’s a stiff up-hill but we need to do it to identify players when young and also to acclimatize women to play Ludo,” Kalule added.
He also said the game of Ludo is not by chance but needs quick and perfect mathematics skills.
Team captain Huzaifa Matovu has said abiding by the guidance of coach Vincent Lubega was critical for Uganda to win the world cup.
