1st Abia Para Badminton Championships: 200 athletes from 20 countries to bid for laurels – Committee
By Leonard Okachie
Over 200 athletes from 20 countries are slated to compete for laurels in different categories in the First Abia Para Badminton and All African Para Badminton Championships.
Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, the Deputy Governor of Abia and Chairman, Main Organising Committee of the competition, disclosed this at the launch of the championships on Tuesday in Umuahia.
Emetu said that the First Abia Para Badminton International Championships would hold from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, while the All African Para Badminton Championships would take place from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12.
He said that the two back-to-back prestigious events were sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Confederation of Africa.
The deputy governor, who expressed government’s readiness for the historic event, said that hosting the championships in the state was more than a sporting achievement.
“It is a statement of capacity, hospitality and vision,” he said.
He also said that the administration of Gov. Alex Otti “has placed inclusion, diversity and opportunity at the heart of its development agenda”.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, said that the government had committed substantial resources to ensure a successful event.
He commended Otti for his unwaivering support for sports development in Abia, saying that “he approved the hosting rights without hesitation.
“The governor ordered the renovation of the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the venue of the event, approved the purchase of a specialised mobility bus for wheelchair-bound athletes, among others,” he said.
Also, the National Coordinator, Para Badminton Association of Nigeria, Mr Samuel Ekeoma, said that the athletes would be competing in 12 categories (six for males and six for females).
Ekeoma, who doubles as the Second Vice President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, listed Brazil, Peru, Belgium and India, among the participating countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abia earlier hosted the 5th National Para Badminton Championship between July 14 and July 17 at the same venue. (NAN)
