2023 Basketball World Cup: Nuni Omot 'saddened' after blow led to opponent's kidney removal

Basketball can be a physical game and can leave players hurt. At the ongoing World Cup, Borisa Simanic has learned that the hard way. The Serbian took an unintentional blow from Nuni Omot against South Sudan in the group stage. As a result, he had a kidney removed on Monday 04 September. Simanic was taken to a hospital in Manila very quickly, where he was first operated on. But complications followed, and he lost the organ.

Following the sad news, the South Sudan basketball federation issued a statement to offer its sympathy. Nuni Omot expresses his sadness in it. "I am deeply saddened. As an athlete, I fully understand the seriousness of his situation and I am deeply sorry that this happened. No player should have to go through this. I pray that Simanic recovers and gets back on the court soon ".

🤕 𝗕𝗮𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 for the Serbian camp: Borisa Simanic 🇷🇸 has had… a kidney removed!

A blow taken late in the game against South Sudan 🇸🇸 has led to the 25-year-old having a kidney removed.

An extremely rare occurrence in sport…pic.twitter.com/CW5BvF0dhU

— Basket USA 🏀 (@basketusa) September 4, 2023

Nuni Omot subjected to racist abuse

Meanwhile, the body headed by Luol Deng condemns the attacks directed at Nuni Omot. The player has received racist abuse. "The Federation also wishes to address the racism and harassment Nuni Omot has suffered since the announcement of this regrettable incident: we condemn all forms of racism towards the player. Basketball is a sport that brings people together and must not be used as a vehicle for prejudice. Finally, we send our prayers and best wishes for a recovery to Borisa Simanic". The Serbian does not yet know when he will return to competition… In the meantime, his team has qualified for the semi-finals.

Also read: 2023 Basketball World Cup: South Sudan's incredible run, qualified for the Olympics