By 
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu has officially flagged off the first Abia Para Badminton International Championships and all African Para Badminton Championships 2025 in Umuahia.
Engr. Emetu, who declared the event open during the Media and Marketing Reveal of First Abia Para Badminton International and the All African Para Badminton Championships billed to hold between 30th September to 12th October 2025 at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, said that the event marks a defining moment in the state’s sports history.
“These back-to-back world-class events sanctioned respectively by the Badminton World Federation, BWF and the Badminton Confederation of Africa, BCA, marks a defining moment in our state’s sports history.
“Hosting these championships in Abia is more than a sporting achievement. It is a statement of our capacity, hospitality and vision.
“This is the first time that such high-profile Para Badminton events are taking place on our soil and its position in Abia, not only as a sporting destination in Nigeria but as a proud member of the global badminton family” Emetu stated.
The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the Abia Para Badminton Championships 2025 said that hosting the competition is an opportunity for Abia state to showcase its organisational excellence, cultural warmth and unwavering respect for athletes of all abilities.
He said that para sports embodies resilience, courage and triumph of the human spirit noted that, the next two weeks, Abia would welcome athletes, coaches, officials and fans from across Africa and around the world.
According to him, “This inflow will stimulate our local economy from hospitality and tourism to transport and small businesses.
“More importantly, it will inspire a new generation of young people in Abia and Nigeria to embrace sportsmanship, perseverance and inclusivity.
“As we flag off these championships, I call on all stakeholders, government agencies, corporate sponsors, the media, sport associations and indeed our citizens to give all their full support.
He appreciated Governor Alex Otti led administration for prioritising inclusive development and youth empowerment through sports.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, revealed that the state government has released funds for the successful hosting of the championships.
He appreciated the Governor for purchasing a specialised mobility bus for Abia athletes to enhance their transportation and accessibility during competitions, procurement of cutting-edge para-badminton maintenance equipment among other assistance.
Contributing virtually, the National President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih, appreciated Governor Otti for his commitment and support towards the development of sports, particularly para-badminton.
He said that Governor Otti has sponsored the state’s contingent to the World Para-Badminton Championships and assured that the country’s governing body would provide full support to ensure success in the championship.
Earlier, the 2nd Vice Chairman, Para Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel who described the forthcoming event as historic, informed that so far, over 16 countries have entered for the tournament while it is expected that over 224 players across the world would be coming to Abia state.
He described the competition as massive and the first of its kind in the game of para badminton, adding that, Abia would be hosting the highest number of tournament at this level.
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