Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The President of the South Sudan National Olympic Committee says Qatari funders have pledged to build the country’s first athletics track within the next 18 months, as part of efforts to address the long-standing lack of sports infrastructure.
Speaking to Eye Radio over the weekend, Chuol Pal Gai said the development follows sustained fundraising and international engagement by the committee’s new administration.
He revealed that at least 100,000 US dollars have already been raised over the past six months through advocacy and support from partners and well-wishers, which has helped establish the committee’s headquarters and improve coordination.
“We managed to get about 100,000 US dollars that we raised through advocacy and talking to friends to help us establish the office. It’s a very exciting time for South Sudanese athletes,” Chuol said.
He noted that having a functional headquarters is a major milestone, enabling officials to meet, plan, and coordinate activities more effectively as the country prepares for regional and international competitions.
Chuol further disclosed that within the next year, the committee plans to construct a multi-purpose sports facility in Hai Thajaria, for which funding has already been secured. The facility is expected to support multiple disciplines and provide training space for athletes.
On the athletics track project, Chuol said Qatari partners have already expressed firm commitment following his recent visit to Doha.
“We have already found some Qatari funders… they have committed that they will help build our first track in South Sudan, and all they need is a soil sample and an area,” he said.
He added that discussions are ongoing with the Governor of Central Equatoria State to identify two or three potential sites for the project.
The initiative comes as South Sudan steps up preparations for the Youth Games scheduled for October this year in Senegal, with efforts underway to support athletes across different sports disciplines.
According to Chuol, at least seven South Sudanese athletes are currently undergoing training in Qatar under international programs linked to global athletics bodies.
He emphasized the importance of accountability in managing donor support, noting that the committee is committed to ensuring transparency in the use of funds.
Chuol also highlighted infrastructure gaps as one of the biggest challenges facing the sports sector, pointing out that the country lacks basic facilities such as indoor gyms and courts for sports like handball and volleyball.
He said the planned projects mark a significant step toward improving training conditions, nurturing talent, and positioning South Sudanese athletes to compete more effectively on the international stage.
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