By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has announced that the Abia International Para Badminton Championship will be held annually following the success of its maiden edition.
Otti disclosed this on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the championship competed by 13 countries across the globe at the International Conference Center (ICC) Umuahia.
The governor, while commending the organisers for a successful championship, reiterated his administration’s commitment to use sports development as a key component of Abia’s growth.
“I commend the athletes for exhibiting the spirit of sportsmanship and the medalists especially on their victories.
“I also encourage the non-medalists to remain steadfast and motivated for better performances,” he said.
He noted that the championship aligned perfectly with Abia’s core principle of inclusion, accommodating persons with disabilities in development and opportunities.
“No matter your situation and where you find yourself, you are valuable as any compatriot lucky to have his body parts intact.
Leaders should create opportunities for all citizens regardless of physical challenges as a new public transportation system is being designed to accommodate persons with disabilities,” he said.
Otti commended the Badminton Confederation of Africa, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and all organising partners for making the event a success.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the championship marked the beginning of a new and beautiful chapter of sports inclusion in Abia.
Ananaba thanked the governor for his vision and for providing world-class facilities, logistics, and accessibility that made the event successful.
“We acknowledge the challenges of organising a pioneer event as preparations have commenced for the hosting of the All-African para badminton championship,” he said.
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih, described the event as the triumph of the human spirit and thanked the Abia government for hosting the championship.
Orbih said the athletes inspired many through their resilience and sportsmanship, proving that para badminton represents inclusion, dignity, and the limitless capacity of the human mind,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Badminton Confederation of Africa, Mr. Jeff Shigoli, praised the Abia government for providing an enabling environment for para badminton athletes to thrive.
Shigoli said the collaboration between the government and the BFN has set a new benchmark for sports excellence and inclusion in Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria finished fourth on the medals table with Eniola Bolaji, Jeremiah Nnanna, and Mary Nathan winning gold medals.
Bolaji defeated Cameroon’s Danyele Mouafo 2-0 (21-7, 21-3) in the women’s singles while Nnanna claimed the men’s singles gold by beating compatriot Yahaya Ayuba 2-0 (21-9, 21-8).
Brazil topped the medals table with seven golds as 114 players from 13 countries competed in the championship from September 30 to October 5.
