Fadilah Shamika Mohammed made history on Thursday, becoming the first Ugandan and African woman to reach the Round of 16 in badminton at the FISU World University Games.
The 20-year-old Victoria University student impressed at the Westenergie Sporthalle, beating Kazakhstan’s Aisha Zhumabek 2-0 and then rallying from a set down to defeat Turkey’s Tugcenur Korkmaz 2-1 in the Round of 32.
“It’s a big achievement for me,” she said after the match. “This is my first World University Games and my biggest moment on the global stage. I’m proud to be the first Ugandan and African woman to reach this level.”
Now in her first year studying Business Administration, Fadilah spoke with purpose. “I want to raise the flag for Uganda and Africa. We belong on this stage. It’s time the rest of the world knows that.”
After a slow start against Korkmaz, she found her rhythm, winning the next two sets 15-11 and 15-13. Her match was later moved to center court—an acknowledgment of her growing presence in the tournament.
Though she fell in the next round to American Ellen Li (15-5, 15-3), Shamika’s breakthrough was already sealed.
Her coach, Ivan Karimunda, was beaming: “Since I started coaching in 2006, I’ve never seen an African player reach this level. She’s just getting started.”
Fadilah credited her success to training in Mauritius and experience at events like the Commonwealth Games, Africa Junior Championships, and her 2023 All Africa gold.
