The 5th Abia National Open Para Badminton Championship has kicked off in Umuahia, the state capital, with a charge to participants to approach the game in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Addressing journalists at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support and commitment to revitalizing the sports sector in the state, as well as for securing all the equipment needed for the competition.
Mr. Ananaba, while describing Abia as a sporting destination, disclosed that the tournament will help assess the state’s readiness in terms of equipment, venue, and athletes ahead of the first Abia International Badminton Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship. He also thanked the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) for granting Abia the right to host the event.
In his remarks, the Event Manager of the Badminton Confederation of Africa and a member of the Badminton World Federation, Mr. Fadil Sayeed, noted that the ongoing National Para Badminton Championship is a test event to determine the nation’s readiness to host the First Abia State Para Badminton International in 2025.
Mr. Sayeed stated that he is in Abia to assess the level of preparedness and the available facilities for the forthcoming games, especially wheelchair accessibility for the players. He thanked Governor Otti for uplifting the sports sector in the state, sustaining support for the athletes, and commended the organizing committee for meeting expectations.
In their separate remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas; the Secretary-General of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Oludare Davis; and the National Coordinator of Para Badminton, Mr. Samuel Ekeoma, emphasized that the tournament is not just a celebration of athleticism but also a powerful testament to Governor Otti’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality through the unifying spirit of sports.
They further lauded the Governor’s vision in elevating sports in the state, especially in the area of badminton, noting that the national event will serve as a preparatory platform for the major continental event scheduled to take place in the state from September 30th to October 12th, 2025. They also wished the athletes success.
In a vote of thanks, the State Chairman of the Badminton Association, Mr. Abel Sunday, appreciated Governor Alex Otti and his team for positively projecting the state in the world of sports and also thanked members of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment to the growth of badminton across the country.
Our sports correspondent reports that a total of 120 athletes, drawn from the 36 states of the federation, are currently participating in the championship.
