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By Lukman Olabiyi
Abia State has officially announced its readiness to host two major global para badminton tournaments: the First Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship.
The back-to-back events will be held in Umuahia, the state capital, from September 30 to October 12, 2025, and will feature 368 athletes and over 100 officials from 32 countries.
Speaking at a world press conference in Lagos, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, revealed that countries such as Brazil, Peru, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, along with other nations across Africa and beyond, have confirmed their participation.
“This is a historic moment not just for Abia, but for West Africa. It is the first time para badminton competitions of this scale will be held in the region. Nigeria now joins Egypt and Uganda as the only African countries to host international para badminton tournaments,”Ananaba said.
The commissioner credited Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, which he said were instrumental in securing the hosting rights from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA).
He said in preparation for the championships, key venues including the Indoor Sports Hall of Umuahia Township Stadium and the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, have been renovated and upgraded to meet international accessibility and competition standards.
“These facilities have been retrofitted with modern, accessible infrastructure to ensure a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike,” the commissioner noted.
Ananaba also called on the private sector, philanthropists, and media to support the initiative and help amplify its impact.
“Government alone cannot carry this vision. We need the media to share these inspiring stories, and we invite stakeholders to invest in what will become a lasting legacy for inclusive sports in Nigeria,”he said.
He further assured international visitors of top-tier hospitality, robust security, and an opportunity to experience Abia’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cuisine, and music , promising a memorable stay beyond the tournament.
