Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Nwadinma Ananaba Nwaobilor, has received the victorious Abia State Para Badminton Team following their outstanding performance at the 2026 Uganda Para Badminton International Championship held in Kampala, Uganda, from July 7 to 12, 2026.
Receiving the athletes and officials in his office, the Commissioner described the team’s achievement as another milestone in the growth of para sports in Abia State, applauding them for bringing honour to both the state and Nigeria on the international stage.
Also present at the reception was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Pastor Jane Igwe, and the General Manager, Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation Umuahia, Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike, who congratulated the athletes and officials for their exceptional performances and commitment to excellence.
Hon. Nwaobilor commended the team for returning home with 11 medals comprising gold and silver, noting that beyond the medals, the athletes earned valuable world ranking points that would improve their standings in the World Para Badminton rankings and enhance their qualification prospects for future continental, world and Paralympic competitions.
He expressed confidence that Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, would be delighted to receive and celebrate the athletes for once again projecting Abia State as a leading force in para badminton development in Nigeria and beyond.
The medal-winning athletes are Emmanuel Ohaeri (WH2 Men), Ekeoma Samuel (WH1), Obinna Precious Nwosu (SL3), Eze Chukwuebuka Sunday (SL3 Men), Nnanna Chigozie Jeremiah (SL4), and Chukwuemeka Ijeoma Gift (WH2 Female).
The Commissioner attributed the team’s success to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to youth development, sports excellence and the promotion of inclusiveness for persons with disabilities, stressing that Abia has continued to distinguish itself as one of the fastest-growing centres for World Para Badminton in Africa.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustaining the state’s momentum in sports development and announced plans to host the 2nd Abia Para Badminton International Championship next year, with the competition expected to attract athletes from across Africa and other parts of the world.
Hon. Nwaobilor concluded by appreciating the athletes, coaches, officials and other stakeholders whose dedication and sacrifices have continued to earn Abia State international recognition and strengthen its reputation as a hub for para badminton excellence.
