South Sudan’s historic Olympic debut in men’s basketball got off to a rocky start. During the pre-game ceremony, a technical glitch cut the national anthem short, leaving both players and fans bewildered. The anthem, which symbolizes South Sudan’s journey from civil war to independence in 2011 and its first-ever Olympic qualification last year, was abruptly silenced after just 20 seconds.
Initially, both the South Sudanese players and their supporters were confused, prompting a chorus of boos from the crowd inside Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium. However, the players and fans from both teams quickly showed solidarity. The South Sudanese players stood united, hands over their hearts, patiently waiting for the technical issue to be resolved. In a gesture of support, the Puerto Rican players joined them, creating a moment of unity amidst the unexpected disruption.
After a three-minute delay, the anthem resumed, met with an enthusiastic ovation from the crowd. The South Sudanese players, visibly relieved, embraced each other and prepared for the opening tip-off. This unexpected incident showcased the resilience of the South Sudanese team and the importance of sportsmanship, uniting fans and players from both sides in a moment of shared understanding.
