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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
India, Brazil, Egypt and 11 other countries have arrived in Abia State for the 1st International Para Badminton Championship and All African Badminton Championship taking place in Umuahia, Abia State.
This was confirmed by Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, while briefing newsmen in Umuahia on preparations for the two events, holding from Tuesday, September 30, to October 12.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Raymond Chima Ukwa, the Commissioner said Abia State government was ready to host the international community starting from Tuesday.
“This is also to confirm that about 14 countries are going to be here in Abia State, and out of the 14 countries, we’re expecting about 150 athletes to play within this game. And some of these athletes are here already, and most of them will be arriving this evening and tomorrow morning.
“We have also 60 officials who are also going to accompany the athletes that are going to play within the next few days.
“We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, the first of its kind in West Africa, so to say.”
The Commissioner said that over the last few months, Governor Alex Otti has invested critically to ensure that the venue of the competition is of international standard.
President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih, appreciated Governor Otti for his immense support for the competition.
He revealed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a successful hosting of the events, adding that a workshop would also be held for both coaches and players.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by the state, ably led by the Executive Governor, Dr Alex Otti.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Jeff Shigoli, and the Head of Operations and Badminton World Federation International Classifier, Dr Ahmed Reda, expressed happiness with the progress so far made for the events.
He said Nigeria is the third African country to host the event after Uganda and Egypt.
