President John Dramani Mahama has awarded a GHC500,000 cash prize to the University for Development Studies (UDS) in recognition of their historic triumph at the FISU World University Football Tournament held in China.
UDS made history as the first African university to win the prestigious global tournament. The victorious team visited President Mahama at the Jubilee House to present the trophy, receiving a warm welcome and national commendation.
Speaking at the event, President Mahama praised the team’s exceptional performance and announced plans to bolster sports development across all educational levels.
“My government, through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ministry of Education, is working to strengthen youth and university sports systems to ensure talented students and athletes are identified, nurtured, and supported to reach professional levels,” he stated.
He further revealed the establishment of a School Sports Authority, which will focus on developing sports from basic school through to the university level.
UDS captured global attention with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Brazil’s Paulista University in the final. After conceding a goal in the opening 10 seconds, team captain Mohammed Sulemana equalized during stoppage time. Ezedeen Alhassan then scored the match-winner with a spectacular goal from a corner kick in extra time, sealing UDS’s place in history.
