Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
One hundred and four athletes and 40 officials from 14 countries have arrived in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, for the International Para-Badminton Championship.
The two-week championship, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 30, will be preceded by the African Para-Badminton Championship.
Abia State Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Raymond Chima Ukwa, listed the participating countries as Brazil, Peru, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Rwanda, Cameroon, among others.
He said the state was fully prepared to host the international competition, noting that facilities at the International Conference Centre (ICC) had been upgraded.
“We have the best mats, especially wheelchair playing mats, the first of its kind in West Africa,” he said.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the state government had volunteered to foot the air tickets of the players and officials from Lagos to Abia as part of its commitment to successfully hosting the international event.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, commended the Abia State Government for its heavy investment in the competition, expressing delight that all necessary arrangements had been put in place.
Orbih revealed that a workshop for both coaches and players would also hold during the championship.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are. We have players and coaches from other African countries joining us, and after the three-day workshop, those who pass the assessment will be given certificates,” he explained.
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Mr. Jeff Shigoli, praised Abia State for the level of preparation, noting that Nigeria is the third African country after Egypt and Uganda to host para-badminton activities.
According to him, Nigerian players who participate will receive international certification, enabling them to feature in future global competitions. He described the event as “a big milestone for both Nigeria and the African continent.”
Also speaking, Head of Operations and Badminton World Federation International Classifier, Dr. Ahmed Reda, lauded the state government, describing the facilities at the venue as world-class.
Other government officials and members of the Local Organising Committee present at the press briefing included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwogbe; Mr. Chika Ojiegbe; and Comrade Samuel Ekeoma, among others.
