Over 120 athletes from 16 states are participating in the Fifth  National Open Para Badminton Championship, which began yesterday and will end on July 18  at the Ochendo International Conference Centre (ICC), Ogurube Layout Umuahia, Abia State.
 
The six-day competition is being sponsored by the Abia State government in collaboration with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and the Abia State Badminton Association (ASBA).
 
Speaking on the competition, which, he said, is aimed at giving Nigerian badminton players opportunity to further develop their skills, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said:  “We want the world to know that Abia State is hosting this championship and also using this tournament to demonstrate, at this stage, its readiness in terms of equipment, to host national and international competitions, including the All Africa Para Badminton Championships.”
 
Also speaking on the opening day of the championship, Special Assistant to Governor Otti on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty  Alleviation, Mrs. Ifeoma Thomas, described the tournament as a testament to how the governor is “promoting inclusivity, equality, using the unifying spirit of sports,” adding that the state eagerly looked forward to exciting Para displays during the competition.
 
Elated by the facilities provided by the Abia State government for the championships, Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) Event Manager, Mr Fadil Sayeed, who is also a member of the World Badminton Federation, Mr Fadil Sayeed, commended the state for the quality of equipment, as well as the highest level of preparation for the competition.
 
He said: “Governor Otti has set an example for other states on how things like these could be done in Nigeria. We appreciate the governor for providing this platform that enabled us to come into Abia for Para Badminton, not only on a national level, but also on an international level.”