In a powerful show of support for the Gambia’s U21 Basketball team, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports, led the official handing over of the national flag as the team prepares to travel to Bissau for the prestigious Amilcar Cabral U21 Basketball Tournament. Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister expressed his pride in presenting the national flag, emphasizing the significance of the team’s mission to represent The Gambia on the international stage.
The Minister wished the team the best of luck as they embark on their journey and urged them to give their all in securing victory and bringing the trophy back home. “Once you hold the national flag, you are not just athletes—you are ambassadors of The Gambia. Go out there and do your best to win the trophy for your country,” he said.
The Minister also praised the growth of basketball in the country, attributing this to the efforts of the leadership within the Gambia Basketball Association. He acknowledged the association’s dedication to revitalizing the sport and restoring its past glory, with a vision of elevating basketball to the same level of popularity and funding as football. “The Ministry is committed to supporting basketball, both locally and internationally. Within our limited resources, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure success,” he pledged. It can be recalled that thro
Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawla, the Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), echoed the Minister’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the Ministry’s continuous support of youth initiatives, particularly in sports. He highlighted the importance of investing in young talent, noting that sports can serve as a powerful tool for national development. “We’ve seen how other sports have produced professionals, and we are determined to do the same for basketball. The Ministry, under Hon. Badjie’s leadership, is committed to ensuring basketball’s return to its former glory,” Jawla said.
Alieu Nyang, Secretary General of the Gambia Basketball Association, expressed delight over the Minister’s presence during the test game ahead of the team’s departure. He revealed that the government has financed three-quarters of the team’s budget for participation in the tournament, further demonstrating the state’s commitment to the growth of basketball in the country.
Nyang stressed the importance of carrying the national flag, symbolizing national pride and responsibility. “Representing The Gambia is not just about words; it’s about action. The flag will be handed to the captain to raise high in Bissau, and I am confident the team is ready to bring success back to our country,” he affirmed, while also extending his gratitude to the association’s executive members.
As the team departs for Bissau, the entire nation watches in anticipation, hoping for a triumphant return with the Amilcar Cabral trophy in hand. It can be recalled that the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Sports Council, the Gambia Basketball Association received D500,000 as support to their participation to this tournament and in the month of August 2024, D441,000 was also paid to the GBA for support to their league. All this is geared towards lifting basketball to its former status.