Karin Bester, the Badminton World Federation-appointment referee for the 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship, has identified lack of wheelchairs as challenges faced by African players at the ongoing tournament.
Bester said in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday that the Nigerian and African players were not as experienced in para badminton tournament especially in the wheelchair category.
At least, 114 players from 13 countries and over 60 officials are participating in the historic event scheduled between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, Abia.
The tournament, which is still at the group stage, will be followed by the All African Para Badminton Championship scheduled to begin on Oct. 7 and end on Oct. 12, at the same venue.
According to Bester, this is the biggest challenge currently because the equipment for the players are not available and the players are not used to being strapped to the wheelchair.
“That is a problem because the African players don’t have the necessary equipment, so they borrow wheelchairs from other players.
“It is a learning curve for everybody, including the umpires.
“But the other players in the standing events are more comfortable because the equipment are not all that expensive,” said Bester, a South African.
Bester, whose expertise and involvement highlight the international standards and credibility of the event, commended Abia and Nigeria’s commitment to hosting a successful and memorable event.
“This is my second time in Nigeria, but first time in Abia. I was quite surprised when I entered the state. I was very well received and I almost feel like family,” she said.
The countries including Brazil, India, Peru, Egypt, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Congo DR, Mauritius, Mozambique and the host, Nigeria, are competing in 19 sporting events.
The venue of the championships has undergone renovations by the state government, to meet international standards, including the installation of wheelchair-friendly playing mats.
