8 months ago
South Sudanese Basketball Player Thrives in India
Akot Becky Paul Macuei is an 18-year-old basketball player from South Sudan.
She got a scholarship to study in India and play basketball at SRM University in Chennai.
At first, she was worried she would have to choose between school and basketball, but she found a great support system.
She played in a big basketball tournament called KIUG and her team came in second place.
Akot's family, especially her elder sister, supported her dreams.
Her father passed away in 2020, but she continued to follow her passion.
She hopes to play for the South Sudan national team one day and believes her time in India will help her grow as a player and a person.
Akot Becky Paul Macuei, an 18-year-old from South Sudan, secured a scholarship to study Biotechnology at SRM University in Chennai, India.
She initially worried about balancing academics and her basketball ambitions but found strong support at the university.
Akot played a key role in guiding SRM University to a runners-up finish at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025.
Her family, particularly her elder sister Akon, encouraged her to pursue her dreams despite initial resistance from her parents.
Akot hopes her experience in India will help her join the South Sudan national team and shape her as both a basketball player and a person.
- Who
- Akot Becky Paul Macuei, an 18-year-old South Sudanese basketball player
- What
- Secured a scholarship to study Biotechnology in India and played in the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025
- Where
- SRM University, Chennai, India
- When
- Arrived in India in July, participated in KIUG 2025
- Why
- To pursue both academic and basketball ambitions, with the support of her family and university
Key facts
- Name
- Akot Becky Paul Macuei
- Age
- 18
- Hometown
- Rumbek, South Sudan
- University
- SRM University, Chennai
- Scholarship
- B.Sc. in Biotechnology
- Event
- Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025
- Position
- Runners-up
- Family
- Youngest of six siblings, elder sister Akon Paul Macuei represents South Sudan
- Father's Status
- Passed away in 2020 due to COVID-19
Quotes
Akot Becky Paul Macuei
A South Sudanese basketball player pursuing a B.Sc. in Biotechnology at SRM University in Chennai, India.
“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.”
thestatesman.com
“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.”
thestatesman.com
