36 states battle for medals as fifth Nationwide Para Badminton Championship begins in Abia

Actions will start today, Monday, at the 5th National  Para Badminton Championship, holding in Umuahia, Abia State, with 120 players from 36 States of the federation.

The 5th National Para Badminton sporting event, which is being sponsored by the Abia State government, was approved by the World Badminton Federation, Badminton Confederation Africa and Badminton Federation of Nigeria.

Briefing journalists on Sunday after inspecting the facilities  in Umuahia, Mr Fadil Sayed who is the the Director of Events Badminton Confederation Africa and Mr Oludare Davies, the Secretary General Badminton Federation of Nigeria expressed satisfaction with the equipment and level of preparation.

Also speaking, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba said that Governor Alex Otti approved that all the 120 Para Badminton players, their coaches and other officials be kept in most conducive places throughout the one-week event.

The Commissioner thanked Governor Otti for approving that the Championship will be hosted in Abia and for procuring all the modern  equipment for the competition, saying more international stars would be discovered for Abia, Nigeria and Africa, at the Championship.

Also, Mr Ekeoma Samuel, the National Coordinator Para Badminton, in the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, said that top performers at the Championship would not be rewarded in cash but through scholarship, sponsorships and can represent Nigeria in National and international competitions.

Meanwhile,  Africa’s record holder, Nnanna Jeremiah and Bolaji Eniola have vowed to win gold medals.