Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) president, Francis Orbih has described the body’s recent national competition in Abia State, which was staged for any physically challenged players, as an eye-opener.
Sports247 gathered that the competition, which was officially tagged 5th Abia National Open Para-Badminton Championship, took place in the state’s capital, Umuahia, from Monday till Thursday last week.
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At the end of almost a week of intense contests in various categories and classifications, Abia State made the best of their hosting mandate by topping the table with five gold, five silver and seven bronze medals.
Second place went to Plateau State with four gold, one silver and three bronze medals, while Ogun State were third with three gold and two bronze; all of which Orbih said were gained through explosive games.
“It was an eye-opener and very explosive. It was also an opportunity for the federation to discover new para-badminton talents in Nigeria”.
“It has never been this good and wonderful, with a lot of high-quality games played each day”, the BFN president recounted.
He went on to reveal that the biggest joy for him was seeing many of the country’s established players end up in defeat, as new stars took advantage of the contests to show their potential.
Orbih disclosed, “Some of our national players, who had felt comfortable that the terrain was theirs to occupy for a long time, were shocked. We had some upsets.
“Seeing young players from states that were not even known for para-badminton coming to upset known players was a very good development, and we are happy.”
Orbih and other officials in the BFN as well as players, coaches and stakeholders of the racquet flicking sport will now turn their attention on preparations for two forthcoming high-profile competitions that will also be hosted by the state.
The next focus is on the 1st Abia International Para-Badminton Championship from September 30th to October 5th; and then All Africa Para-Badminton Championship from October 6th to 12th.
