The loudest cheers of the opening session of the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 were for Uganda as they faced powerhouses Japan.
The crowd got in on the act in the fourth match, with Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi and Tracy Naluwooza falling behind 21-0 in the first game against Rena Miyaura/Ayako Sakuramoto. The crowd kept willing the Ugandans on, and when they finally got the first point, there was deafening applause.
The Ugandans were cheerful about the experience, despite the gulf in quality between the two pairs.
“We were pretty calm about it because it’s a level we are not used to, and it was our first time,” said Rafi, who also played first singles, against Aya Ohori. “Playing against such amazing players, we just had to give our best and keep fighting, and I’m so happy we played our game and could at least fight and catch some eye. I’m so grateful to the crowd for the support. It was really nice.
“The crowd went wild, it was amazing. We were just happy, so after the first point we tried to get more. It’s really nice for Uganda to be here and we are making history.”
Uganda’s prospects were daunting, and none of the five matches went over 22 minutes. Japan rested Akane Yamaguchi and gave rising star Tomoka Miyazaki her first Uber Cup cap. Scratch pair Nami Matsuyama/Wakana Nagahara were fielded in second doubles.
For the Ugandans the experience so far has been surreal, as they are among players they have only seen on screen.
“I knew she’s way better than me. I came on court with nothing to lose. Come, enjoy my game and perform well,” said Husina Kobugabe, who faced Okuhara.
“Sometimes you feel it’s not real, you are dreaming. But it’s true, we are sitting with them in the bus and we are at the same hotel, so we are getting used to it, but it’s new for us.
“You become excited. You become a fan. We’ve been wanting to play against them. It feels good and makes you happy … it’s building my confidence. Because after the first game, I told myself – you know what? These are people like us, just that they’re playing better. It makes us strong mentally.”
For Gladys Mbabazi, who faced Miyazaki in third singles, the Uber Cup was about relishing an opportunity that few get to experience.
“Not everyone gets the chance to be here, and I’m proud to be representing my country. I’m so happy to be playing on such a big platform – it’s good for me and my career. My family is so proud of me, they keep asking me about my experiences.”
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