Uganda's top female middle-distance runner Halimah Nakaayi has vowed to prove herself in quest for gold at this weekend's World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.

Speaking to Xinhua before her departure on Wednesday, Nakaayi talked up her form and prospects.

"I know that I will compete against top athletes, but I know what it means to compete at the top and my target is to win," said the 30-year-old.

Nakaayi, who has competed at two Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games, made it clear that she has trained well enough and will go all out to secure gold.

"I have won a bronze medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships before, and now I am determined to go a step better," she added.

Nakaayi clinched bronze in the 800m at the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Serbia. She also won the 800m gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

She is expected to face tough competition from reigning champion Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia, also a silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics. The 800m will also feature Kenya's Vivian Chebet Kiprotich, Benin's Noelie Yarigo, and Habitam Alemu of Ethiopia.