Israel Oluyemi
Abia State makes history as it hosts the first Para Badminton International Championship in West Africa.
The tournament brings together 114 athletes from 13 countries, including Brazil, India, Peru, Egypt, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Congo DR, Mauritius, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
The athletes compete in 19 sporting events at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu says the tournament is “not just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, unity and the unbreakable human spirit.”
He adds that hosting the event shows Abia is “not only open to the world, but also ready to lead Africa’s inclusive sports development.”
The championship starts on September 30 and runs until October 5, while the All-African Para Badminton Championship is scheduled from October 7 to 12 at the same venue.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, commends the state’s “commitment and huge investment to ensure a successful historic championship.”
Jeff Shigoli, CEO of the Badminton Confederation of Africa, praises the level of preparation and notes that “Nigeria is debuting as the third African country to host para activities, after Uganda and Egypt.”
State officials stress that Governor Alex Otti and Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu lead the hosting effort in partnership with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, the Badminton Confederation of Africa, and the Badminton World Federation.
They add that the event marks Nigeria’s first international para badminton tournament and positions Abia as a centre for inclusive sports.