Heroic welcome for South Sudan’s basketball team after Olympics debut

Thousands of enthusiastic fans turned out to give South Sudan’s basketball team a hero’s welcome as they returned home following their first-ever appearance at the Olympic Games.

The team was met by jubilant supporters and dignitaries at the airport, followed by a celebratory procession that led them to a stadium where they were honored with a ceremony featuring traditional dance and musical performances. Among the performers were traditional dancers draped in South Sudanese flags, while political figures joined in chanting and dancing to patriotic songs.

Luol Deng, president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation (SSBF), addressed the crowd, calling the team’s Olympic journey a breakthrough moment. “When we first started, nobody thought that South Sudan had a place, not only in Africa but in the world, to compete. Now, people are starting to see our potential, and because of you, we are on our way,” Deng said.

“For years and years and years, South Sudan has not had the opportunity and has not had the chance to be able to show the rest of the world our talent, to show the rest of the world our unity, and to show the rest of the world what’s really in our heart. And right now, South Sudan is the heart of Africa and we will keep on representing. What I always tell my players and my message to my players, what makes us so unique, we are playing for something different than just basketball,” he added.

Despite falling short of a medal after group stage defeats by the United States and Serbia, the performance of the Bright Stars in Paris has brought immense pride to South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, and a neighbor to war-torn Sudan.