The University for Development Studies (UDS) etched its name in history in November 2025 when it claimed its first-ever Cross Country Championship at the Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games held in Somanya. The remarkable victory marked a major breakthrough for the university after seven years of participation in the competition.

Competing against 16 universities from across Ghana, UDS delivered an exceptional performance. In a stunning display of endurance and teamwork, the university secured four out of the top five finishing positions — a feat that underscored its dominance in the race.

The team captain, Brimah Daniel Kubia, expressed immense pride in the achievement, describing it as a historic moment for UDS. He noted that this was the first time the university had won the GUSA Cross Country competition, making the triumph even more significant.

The grueling 10-kilometer race consisted of four laps on a road course, rather than the traditional loop format. Despite challenges — including limited rest upon arrival and inadequate nutrition — the UDS athletes remained focused and determined, ultimately emerging victorious through resilience and discipline.

Chess Team Excels in Online Tournament

In addition to the cross-country triumph, UDS also distinguished itself in chess during an online inter-university competition held over the Christmas holidays. Nine universities participated in the tournament, with UDS competing alongside leading institutions such as the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The chess team captain, Mr. Fahad, a medical student, highlighted the intellectual benefits of the sport, particularly its role in sharpening pattern recognition, strategic thinking, and cognitive abilities — skills that are invaluable in medical training. He also spoke candidly about the challenge of balancing the rigorous mental preparation required for competitive chess with academic responsibilities.

Looking Ahead to International Competition

Both teams have now set their sights on international competitions. Although the cross-country team missed the opportunity to compete at the World University Cross Country Championships in South Africa last December, they are currently preparing for the upcoming GUSA Games in March and the West African University Games scheduled to take place in Nigeria.

The chess team has equally ambitious aspirations. Their captain confidently stated their intention to “take over the world,” expressing optimism that with sustained institutional support, UDS can establish itself as a formidable force in international university chess competitions.

These victories represent significant milestones for UDS athletics and reflect the university’s growing competitive strength in inter-university sports across Ghana. The presentation of the trophies to the Vice-Chancellor symbolized not only sporting excellence but also the collective effort of athletes, coaches, and university leadership in advancing sports development at UDS.

Story by:
Humul Kulsum and Millicent Dahamani
UDS Media