DR Congo Government Pledges Support for Wheelchair Basketball Team Ahead of 2027 World Cup

The Democratic Republic of Congo's government has expressed its commitment to supporting the national wheelchair basketball team as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in São Paulo, Brazil. Sports Minister Didier Budimbu visited the team at the Stadium des Martyrs in Kinshasa on November 9, 2026, to encourage them ahead of the tournament. The team, comprised of players from various parts of the country, including Goma, has qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

Minister Budimbu confirmed the government's support for the team after meeting with the president of the national federation, Gégé Kizubanata. The minister's visit aimed to boost the team's morale and provide reassurance of the government's backing. This support has been crucial in the team's preparation, which includes a training phase in Kinshasa, followed by a second phase in South Africa and a acclimatization stage in Thailand.

The DR Congo wheelchair basketball team enters the World Cup with a strong record, having won the African championship title in Kinshasa against Kenya with a score of 60-24. The team is determined to make a significant impact at the World Cup and not just participate. According to the Ministry of Sports, the government's support has enabled the team to prepare adequately for the tournament.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to 17, 2027, in São Paulo, Brazil. The DR Congo team will face stiff competition from other top teams, but they are confident of making a good impression. The government's support has been a significant boost to the team's morale, and they are expected to give a good account of themselves in the tournament.

Minister Budimbu's visit to the team was seen as a gesture of solidarity and encouragement. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the team and helping them achieve their goals. The minister's message was one of perseverance and encouragement, urging the team to push themselves to the limit and strive for excellence.

The DR Congo wheelchair basketball team's qualification for the World Cup is a historic achievement, and the government is keen to support them in their preparations. The team's success is expected to inspire other athletes with disabilities in the country and promote the development of wheelchair basketball in the DR Congo.

The government's support for the wheelchair basketball team is part of its broader efforts to promote sports development in the country. The Ministry of Sports is working to provide adequate facilities and resources for athletes with disabilities, and the wheelchair basketball team's success is seen as a significant milestone in this effort.

Key points

• The DR Congo government has pledged its 'inconditional' support for the national wheelchair basketball team ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.