Over the past three decades, Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation in various facets of its society, economy, and governance. From a nation overshadowed by its tragic past to a beacon of resilience and progress, Rwanda's journey can be aptly described as from grass to grace, in many ways than one. This transformation owes much to the unwavering resilience of its people and the country's top leadership that has steered the country towards a brighter future. While Rwanda is not a finished article, actually far from it, the strides made in every sector are undeniable, and some, an envy for the rest of the world. For purposes of this article, focus is on how far Rwanda has moved in the sporting sense, and where it should aim to be in the next 20 years. Amidst the challenges of the past 30 years, the progress in sports stands out as a testament to Rwanda's determination to excel on the global stage, in one way or another. Where the country can't compete, it has chosen to make it up as a trusted and reliable host of international competitions, after all, life is about what you choose (to want) to be. Rwanda has been at the football World Cup albeit at the U17 (boys) level and cricket U19 (girls) as well as Africa Cup of Nations (Tunisia 2004), and also won medals at the Paralympics World Championships. Despite these and other achievements, big or small, Rwandan sports sector still has a long way to go to match the best around, for many reasons, starting with human capacity building to mention just one. Once the issue of human capacity is solved, it will automatically accelerate the players’ development process and hence improved competitiveness of the athletes. The recent inauguration of the state-of-the-art 45,000-capacity Amahoro Stadium, and the BK-Arenajust next to it, highlight Rwanda's commitment to sports infrastructure development. It all starts with infrastructure. These facilities not only bolster local sports activities but also position Rwanda as a capable host for international competitions. The growth in sports infrastructure extends beyond Kigali, with modern stadiums spread across the country from Nyamirambo to Huye, Ngoma and Rubavu among others, underscoring the nationa's readiness to host local and international events. The emergence of facilities like the international-level cricket stadium in Gahanga and the 18-hole Kigali Golf Course demonstrate Rwanda's expanding footprint in diverse sporting disciplines. In cycling, a sport that has captured Rwanda's imagination and passion, the country has witnessed a meteoric rise. The Tour du Rwanda has evolved into a prestigious international event. Rwandan riders now compete in elite competitions worldwide, signaling Rwanda's growing stature in cycling. Thanks to existing expertise in hosting world-class sporting events, Rwanda beat Morocco to win hosting rights for the 2025 UCI Road World Championship slated for September 1-8. It will be the first time ever that an African country will host the world’s most prestigious event. Basketball is also thriving where Rwandan players got the right platform to showcase their talents at the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Hosting the tournament four times in a row since its inception in 2021 is a testament to Rwanda’s status as a trusted partner in African sports while local basketball clubs like APR, REG and Patriots continue to excel, reflecting the country's growing competitiveness in this fast-evolving sport. The tennis scene is also beginning to flourish, with the country hosting ATP Challenger Tour tournaments, a rarity in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite these achievements, Rwandans recognize that challenges remain. Human capacity building is crucial to nurturing future athletes and enhancing competitiveness. By investing in coaching, talent development, and sports education, Rwanda should aim to cultivate a generation of world-class athletes capable of competing at the highest levels. Because, with all the infrastructure in place and more still to come, Rwanda is yet to produce real world-class athlete(s) in any field, someone to take the world stage by storm. ALSO READ: Olympic Games: When will Rwandan athletes stop relying on wildcards? The next 20 years Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Rwanda should aspire to solidify its position as a leading sporting nation in Africa and beyond. This vision entails sustained investment in infrastructure, talent identification, and grassroots sports development. By leveraging its newfound capabilities and nurturing a culture of sports excellence, Rwanda should aim to produce athletes who can compete and shine on the world stage. To truly know and plan your future, you must know your past, which is why the last 30 years should be a fundamental inspiration for Rwanda's sporting trajectory for the next 20. Learn from the negatives to be able to build on the positives. From the creation of state-of-the-art sports facilities to positioning itself as a reliable and trusted partner by international federations, Rwanda has demonstrated what determination and strategic vision can achieve. As the country continues to invest in its sports sector and address glaring and inevitable challenges, the future looks promising for Rwanda to emerge as a recognized player in international sports circles. Through ongoing efforts in infrastructure development, talent cultivation, and international recognition, at least as capable host, Rwanda is poised to realize its ambition of becoming a tower of sporting excellence. The journey from past hardships to present achievements is a testament to Rwanda's resilience and its unwavering commitment to a brighter, more prosperous future through sports.
