South Sudan’s Akot Becky Paul Finds Strong Basketball Support in India, Becomes Key Player at KIUG 2025
South Sudan’s rising basketball talent, Akot Becky Paul Macuei, arrived in India with uncertainty about whether she could balance her studies and sporting dreams. The 18-year-old came to Chennai under a sports scholarship quota to pursue B.Sc. Biotechnology but feared her ambition of becoming an international basketball player might take a back seat. Instead, she discovered a vibrant basketball environment that has strengthened her journey.
Soon after joining SRM University, Akot realised that India’s growing basketball culture was far more encouraging than she expected. The university’s women’s team emerged as runners-up in the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025, with Akot playing a crucial role in their impressive run to the final. Her performance and team spirit made her one of the standout players of the competition.
“Many people back home believed India has no basketball culture because the country is mostly known for cricket. But when I arrived, I was amazed. I got a very supportive team,” she told TheTrendingPeople.com.
Akot grew up in Rumbek, South Sudan, where she often had to sneak out to play basketball against her parents’ wishes. Her family encouraged her to focus on academics, especially since her elder sister, Akon Paul Macuei, already represented South Sudan internationally. As the youngest of six siblings, Akot had to work harder to convince her parents that she could pursue both sports and education.
Her path became even more challenging after her father passed away in 2020 due to COVID-19. It was her sister who motivated her to apply for international scholarship programs, ultimately leading her to India and opening the doors to new opportunities.
KIUG 2025 became Akot’s first major tournament in India, and she was impressed by the facilities, organization and scale of the event. “The courts, the coach, the arrangements—everything is perfect. The support for athletes is amazing,” she said.
Akot now hopes to use her experience in India as preparation for her ultimate goal: earning a spot on the South Sudan National team. She believes her three years in Chennai will shape her not only as a stronger athlete but also as a more confident individual.
Our Thoughts
Akot Becky Paul’s story reflects the power of opportunity, determination and cross-cultural exchange in modern sports. Her journey from Rumbek to Chennai highlights how global platforms can transform the careers of young athletes who are willing to step outside their comfort zones. Despite initial uncertainty, Akot discovered a thriving and supportive basketball environment in India that nurtured her talent and allowed her to dream bigger.
Her early performance at KIUG 2025 shows that India’s sports ecosystem is expanding beyond cricket, providing athletes with structured platforms, quality coaching and world-class facilities. Akot’s admiration for the event’s organization demonstrates how initiatives like Khelo India have begun reshaping India’s reputation in global sports development.
Her story also reveals a powerful emotional layer—a young athlete overcoming personal loss, family expectations and cultural barriers to chase her passion. The support she received at SRM University has helped her blend academic aspirations with her athletic goals, allowing her to grow holistically.
Akot’s ambition to represent the South Sudan National team illustrates how India is becoming a stepping stone for international talent. Her journey will inspire many young athletes, both in India and abroad, to pursue their dreams with courage, resilience and belief.