Preparations are in full swing for Abia State’s Maiden Para Badminton International and the All-Africa Para Badminton Championships
scheduled to take place from 30 September to 12 October 2025 in Umuahia, the State Capital.
The two globally sanctioned tournaments, endorsed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), are expected to attract officials and sports enthusiasts from across Africa and around the world, with participation from 20 countries and over 224 internationally based athletes.
The event organised by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the Abia State Badminton Association, in collaboration with the Abia State Government and the Ministry of Sports, is expected to enhance Abia’s reputation as an emerging destination for global sports and set a new benchmark for para sports hosting in Nigeria and Africa.
Unveiling the Media and Marketing Reveal of the inaugural Abia Para Badminton International and the All African Para Badminton Championships at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu underscored that Abia has made history as the first Nigerian state to host the global para badminton events.
Engr Emetu who also serves as Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the Abia Para Badminton Championships 2025, described the events as a turning point in the state’s sports development and a celebration of inclusion, resilience and international cooperation..
“Hosting these championships is more than a sporting achievement. It is a statement of our capacity, our hospitality, and our vision”, the Deputy Governor said.
He lauded the Governor Alex Otti led administration for prioritizing inclusive development and youth empowerment through sports.
“This initiative reflects our belief that talent knows no physical limitation. Every athlete deserves the chance to compete, inspire, and excel on the global stage,” he added.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the economic and social benefits of hosting the tournaments, pointing out that it would foster increased activity in the hospitality, tourism, and transport sectors, as well as the inspiration to Abia youths.
He called on the public, government institutions, sponsors, and the media to support the events fully and help project a positive image of Abia State.
Engr Emetu encouraged the athletes to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship and to compete with fairness, discipline, and respect for one another throughout the championships.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, disclosed that the State Government has released funds for the successful hosting of the championship games.
Sir Ananaba expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for also approving the purchase of a specialised mobility bus for Abia athletes to enhance their transportation and accessibility during competitions.
He also lauded the Governor for the procurement of cutting-edge para-badminton maintenance equipment, the first of its kind in Africa, thereby setting a new benchmark for sports development on the continent.
In his remarks via Zoom, the National President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his commitment and “huge support” towards the development of sports, particularly para-badminton.
He revealed that the State Governor had sponsored the State’s contingent to the World Para-Badminton Championships and assured that the country’s governing body would provide full support towards the successful organisation of the championship.
Earlier in his address, the National Coordinator for Para-Badminton and 2nd Vice President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Mr Ekeoma Samuel, thanked the State Governor for his support and keen interest in sports development, which has enabled the State to host various sporting events.
“We wish to use this opportunity to inform the world that we are fully prepared to host the first-ever Para-Badminton Games in Umuahia.
“This sporting event will be the first of its kind to be hosted in the State. We have secured the hosting rights from both international governing bodies, the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa”, he said.
