Abia State is set to host the 5th National Open Para Badminton Championship from July 14 to 18, 2025, as preparations enter the final phase. The event, which caters to athletes with physical challenges, will serve as a precursor to two major upcoming tournaments—the first Abia International Badminton Championship and the prestigious All Africa Para Badminton Championship. The state government says the tournament is a key part of its drive to make Abia a hub for inclusive sports development.
Speaking at a press briefing, Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, emphasized that the event will test the capacity of newly procured equipment provided by the Alex Otti-led administration and assess the fitness of athletes ahead of the international contests. The championship will feature 120 participants from Nigeria’s 36 states, making it the largest para badminton gathering in the country to date.
During a tour of the facilities, Fadil Sayeed, a representative of the Badminton Federation of Africa, expressed strong approval of Abia’s readiness. “What we have seen here is of a very high standard. This test event is crucial for evaluating Nigeria’s preparedness to host the upcoming continental tournament,” he said. Sayeed also lauded the Abia State Government and the local organizing committee for their commitment and progress, describing the state’s approach as a model for other regions.
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National Coordinator for Para Badminton, Samuel Ekeoma, echoed this sentiment, praising Governor Alex Otti for promoting inclusivity in sports. He described the governor as a leader with a “magnanimous heart” who has created platforms for people with disabilities to thrive through sport. Ekeoma noted that Abia remains the only Nigerian state to host para badminton five consecutive times and credited the competition for discovering top talents like Bolaji Eniola Mariam and Nnana Chigozie, the latter now a staff member of the state’s civil service.
