Uganda’s athletics team has arrived in Tokyo for the World Athletics Championships, set for September 13–21 at Japan National Stadium.
The event brings together more than 2,000 athletes from nearly 200 countries across 49 disciplines.
Uganda starts its campaign on Saturday with a packed schedule. Leonard Chemutai opens in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase heats at 12:18 p.m. (EAT), followed by Knight Aciru in the women’s 1,500m heats.
Later, Sarah Chelangat, Joy Cheptoyek, and Rebecca Chelangat line up in the women’s 10,000m final, Uganda’s first big medal test.
Though stars Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo are absent, the team remains strong.
Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai (3,000m steeplechase), world marathon champion Victor Kiplangat, 5,000m/10,000m contender Oscar Chelimo, and 2019 world champion Halimah Nakaayi (800m) lead the squad.
The marathoners Juliet Chekwel, Stella Chesang, Mercyline Chelangat, Abel Chelangat, Kiplangat, and Stephen Kissa race on Sunday and Monday mornings.
On the track, Chelimo spearheads Uganda’s long-distance charge alongside veterans and newcomers.
Uganda’s reputation in endurance running is well established, and Tokyo offers another chance to build on that legacy.
