A total of 224 players from 20 African and non-African countries will converge on Umuahia, Abia State capital, for two major para badminton events scheduled to take place between September 30 and October 12, 2025.

The competitions are the First Abia Para Badminton International Championships (September 30–October 5) and the All-Africa Para Badminton Championships (October 6–12), both to be staged at the International Conference Centre (ICC) badminton ground.

India and Nigeria lead in the number of participants, with 58 and 54 players respectively. The events are being organised by the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and the Abia State Badminton Association (ASBA), in collaboration with the Abia State Government and its Ministry of Sports.

Abia State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, said the championships have been sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA).

Speaking at the Media and Marketing Reveal and Interactive Luncheon on Tuesday in Umuahia, Emetu praised Governor Alex Otti for his “unwavering support” and for approving the state’s hosting rights immediately they were granted. “This initiative reflects our belief that talent knows no physical limitation; every athlete deserves the chance to compete, aspire, and excel on the global stage,” he said.

Emetu highlighted the expected economic and social impact, including increased activity in hospitality, tourism, and transportation, and urged government institutions, sponsors, and the public to support the events.

Sports and Youth Development Commissioner, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the state government provided substantial funding, renovated the venue to international standards, purchased a specialized mobility bus for wheelchair-bound athletes, and procured para badminton equipment described as the first of its kind in Africa. “Inclusion must be practical, not just theoretical,” he said.

BFN President, Mr. Francis Orbih, speaking via Zoom, commended Governor Otti’s support, noting that the state had previously sponsored its contingent to the World Para-Badminton Championship. BFN Second Vice President and National Coordinator of the Championships, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, said preparations were complete for Umuahia to host its first-ever para badminton competition.

“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,” Samuel said, adding that the tournaments would showcase the state’s capacity to stage major sports events.