Abia Set to Host Two Prestigious International Para Badminton Championships

Abia Set to Host Two Prestigious International Para Badminton Championships

Abia State is gearing up to host its inaugural Para Badminton International and the All-Africa Para Badminton Championships from September 30 to October 12, 2025, in Umuahia, the state capital.

These globally sanctioned events, endorsed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), are expected to draw officials, sports enthusiasts, and over 224 athletes from 20 countries across Africa and beyond.

Organised by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in partnership with the Abia State Badminton Association, the Abia State Government, and the Ministry of Sports, the championships aim to position Abia as a premier destination for international sports and set a new standard for para sports in Nigeria and Africa.

At the media launch held at the International Conference Centre, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who also chairs the organising committee, hailed the events as historic. He noted that Abia is the first Nigerian state to host such globally recognised para badminton tournaments.

“Hosting these championships goes beyond sport. It showcases our capacity, hospitality, and vision,” said Engr. Emetu. He commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration for its focus on inclusive development and youth empowerment through sports.

The Deputy Governor emphasized the economic boost expected from the tournaments, including growth in hospitality, tourism, and transport sectors, and encouraged public and private sector support to project a positive image of Abia State.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, confirmed that the state government has allocated funds for the successful hosting of the events. He also praised Governor Otti for approving the purchase of a specialised mobility bus and state-of-the-art para-badminton maintenance equipment — a first in Africa.

National President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, via Zoom, thanked Governor Otti for his strong backing of para-badminton and revealed that the governor sponsored Abia’s team at the World Para-Badminton Championships. He assured full support from the national body for the upcoming tournaments.

Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, National Coordinator for Para-Badminton and 2nd Vice President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support and reiterated that Abia is fully prepared to host the historic championships, having secured hosting rights from both international bodies.

This milestone event not only highlights Abia’s growing prominence in sports but also celebrates resilience, inclusion, and international collaboration.