South Sudanese cager Akot Becky’s national-team ambitions boosted by KIUG breakthrough

When Akot Becky Paul Macuei secured a sports scholarship to pursue a B.Sc. in Biotechnology in India, the young South Sudanese cager travelled to Chennai unsure of what awaited her. The 18-year-old worried that the move might force her to choose academics over her ambition of becoming an international basketball player.

Those concerns quickly faded. Chennai’s thriving basketball environment and the support system at SRM University surprised her, giving her the confidence that she could chase both her dreams. Akot has already made an impact, playing a key role in guiding SRM University to a runners-up finish at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025.

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“Before coming here, many people believed that there is no basketball culture in India because India is mostly known for cricket. But when I arrived, I was amazed. I got a very supportive team,” Akot said.

Raised in Rumbek, Akot often slipped out to play hoops against her parents’ wishes. They hoped she would devote her full attention to academics instead of following her elder sister, Akon Paul Macuei, who already represents South Sudan at the international level. But the youngest of six siblings refused to let go of her passion.

“My parents always asked me to focus on studies. My elder sister already represents our country and they would say that one player in the family is enough. Eventually they allowed me to pursue my dreams and that’s how I am here,” she said.

Her journey became even harder when she lost her father to COVID-19 in 2020. It was Akon who encouraged her to continue striving and apply for scholarships abroad so she could find a pathway to balance sport and academics.

KIUG 2025 is Akot’s first major competition since she arrived in India in July, and she has been impressed by the scale and professionalism of the event. “The level of arrangement is amazing here, the courts, the coaches and everything about the venue is perfect. The organisation, the facilities, everything is top-notch. I was amazed by the level of support given to the athletes and the scale every game is played on,” she says.

Akot now hopes that her stint in India will act as a stepping stone to the South Sudan national team. With three years ahead of her in Chennai, she believes the experience will shape her not just as a basketball player, but also as a person.