13 Nations Compete As Abia Hosts First Para Badminton Championship
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
THE First Abia Para Badminton International Championship has opened in Umuahia with 114 athletes from 13 countries competing in 19 events.
Participating nations include Brazil, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Mozambique, Mauritius, Burkina Faso, Peru, and host Nigeria.
Declaring the tournament open, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu hailed it as a celebration of resilience and inclusivity, noting it was the first para badminton championship in West Africa.
The Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the Badminton Confederation of Africa praised Abia State’s preparations, describing Nigeria as only the third African nation to host para badminton at this level.
The championship runs from 30 September to 5 October, ahead of the All Africa Para Badminton Championship scheduled for 7–12 October at the same venue.
